Director, Institutional Product Strategy & Strategic Initiatives - iShares Japan

About the role

BlackRock is seeking an experienced, commercially minded professional to join iShares Japan in a senior role combining leadership of Institutional Product Strategy with responsibility for strategic initiatives across the iShares platform. The role leads product strategy and commercialization for Japanese institutional clients across equity and fixed income ETFs, including active and index strategies spanning Japanese-listed, U.S. 40 Act and UCITS products, and works closely with the iShares Japan leadership team on new product launches, fundraising campaigns, strategic partnerships and platform development.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Institutional Product Strategy for iShares Japan, acting as a senior product expert and strategic partner to the Japan Institutional Client Business.
• Develop and execute commercial strategies across equity and fixed income ETFs, covering active and index strategies and domestic and international product ranges.
• Provide investment expertise, portfolio construction insights, competitive analysis and differentiated product positioning to support client engagement and asset growth.
• Partner with global and regional iShares and PMG Product Strategy teams to turn BlackRock's global investment capabilities into solutions for Japanese investors.
• Develop thought leadership, market insights and educational content to expand institutional ETF adoption.
• Shape franchise priorities, contribute to strategic planning and business performance reviews, and lead strategic initiatives such as product launches, fundraising campaigns, distribution partnerships and platform enhancements.
• Evaluate new growth opportunities and coordinate cross-functional execution with the client business, global GPS, BGM, PMG, T&O, L&C and other partners.
• Serve as a key link between iShares Japan and BlackRock's global investment, product and commercialization teams, building relationships with senior stakeholders.

Required profile

• Significant experience in asset management, product strategy, investment advisory or a related investment discipline, with strong knowledge of ETFs and institutional investing.
• Understanding of equity and fixed income strategies, including active and index approaches; experience with UCITS, U.S.-listed ETFs and/or international products is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to turn investment expertise into commercial strategies and client propositions.
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities, with experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent communication, relationship management and stakeholder influencing skills.
• Strong written and spoken English; Japanese language skills and knowledge of the Japanese investment market are advantageous but not required.
• Comfortable using emerging technologies, including Generative AI tools and intelligent agents.

What we offer

• A retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare and support for working parents.
• Flexible Time Off.
• A hybrid work model of at least 4 days in the office per week, with 1 day flexible from home.