Product Specialist, Vice President

Who we are looking for

The Product Specialist plays an integral role in the ongoing relationship management of existing clients to educate clients and prospects in the use, features and benefits of the Charles River Investment Management Solution & Alpha Data Platform (collectively the Alpha Platform) across multiple Asset Classes within Asian Pacific Markets. The role will additionally involve some participation in pre sales engagements as required. As a Product Specialist you will be responsible for remaining current on the latest in the Alpha Platform technology as well as best practices for deployment across our clients. You will leverage your experience with the Alpha Platform to work primarily with Traders, Managers and Operations professionals, ensuring they get the most value from the platform.

Reporting to the Manager of Sales Engineering - APAC and ultimately to the Director of Sales - APAC, this role involves enhancing CRD’s regional footprint within the existing client base to maximise the benefits of the solution and extending usage to other areas of the platform, through active client engagement, demonstrations, one-to-one workshops and targeted client & prospect events.

As a subject matter expert, the role works closely with both the Sales, Client Management and Support teams to ensure all product, workflow, and best practice questions and objections are thoroughly addressed. A core component is understanding the business requirements and the ability to present and demonstrate our platform solutions to maximise value to the client. This is a senior role and the Product Specialist must be perceived as highly credible and knowledgeable in both the investment industry and all Alpha Platform solutions.

Why this role is important to us

The team you will be joining is a part of Charles River Development (or CRD), that became a part of State Street in 2018. CRD helps create enterprise investment management software solutions for large institutions in the areas of institutional investment, wealth management and hedge funds. Together we have created first open front-to-back platform - State Street Alpha, that was launched in 2019.

What you will be responsible for

Based in Sydney, the role involves demonstrating Alpha Platform solutions to many of the world’s most significant investment management, wealth management, banking and insurance companies. 

• To be a product expert on the CR IMS and Alpha Data Platform.

• Liaison between market participants, existing clients, internal stakeholders.

• Close interaction with Charles River Relationship Management and Sales team to drive forward end-client adoption of our solutions and drive new opportunities.
• Forge relationships with Charles River clients through business and social contact.
• Travel to clients and prospective clients across Asia Pacific. 
• To quickly become familiar with developments of and enhancements to CR IMS and Alpha Data Platform.
• Informal training of Charles River Sales team, Relationship Management team, implementation staff and clients in the product.
• Assist with RFPs and POCs

The role requires the successful applicant to allocate time as follows:

• 25% organise and run client engagements and detailed workshops with business units and end users
• 25% preparation and detailed product presentation and demonstration to highly sophisticated investment professionals
• 25% follow-up with clients & prospects to close out any unanswered questions or objections.
• 10% assist with RFPs or request for information preparation.
• 10% self training on product featurs and training of internal teams on how clients are using the system.
• 5% represent CRD at conferences and Industry trade show events.

What we value

These skills will help you succeed in this role:

• An understanding of investment markets from a front and/or middle office perspective and what each user persona requires to be effective.
• Must have technical acumen to understand requirements and objections and be able to articulate and demonstrate CRD advantages. 
• Excellent organisation skills; ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and meet self-imposed deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Foster relationships with senior market practitioners in large and small corporations.
• Superior oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to differentiate and work at strategic and tactical levels simultaneously.
• Consultative presentation style to diverse and complex audiences
• High degree of proficiency in navigating front and middle office investment applications
• Language skills – Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Japanese or Thai would also be an advantage, but not mandatory.

• Experience in the financial markets industry is mandatory.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of Financial Services industry background and experience with investment management software and/or data solutions,
• Bachelors Degree from a leading university in Business Management, Economics, Finance, Computer Science

Additional requirements

• 20-30% estimated Asia-Pacific regional travel.

About State Street

What we do. State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we’re making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we’ve been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Work, Live and Grow. We make all efforts to create a great work environment. Our benefits packages are competitive and comprehensive. Details vary by location, but you may expect generous medical care, insurance and savings plans, among other perks. You’ll have access to flexible Work Programs to help you match your needs. And our wealth of development programs and educational support will help you reach your full potential.

Inclusion, Diversity and Social Responsibility. We truly believe our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives are a powerful contributor to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their maximum potential while adding value to both our organization and our clients. We warmly welcome candidates of diverse origin, background, ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and personality. Another fundamental value at State Street is active engagement with our communities around the world, both as a partner and a leader. You will have tools to help balance your professional and personal life, paid volunteer days, matching gift programs and access to employee networks that help you stay connected to what matters to you.

State Street is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Discover more at StateStreet.com/careers

State Streets Speak Up Line