📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Product Manager - Private Markets Data Acquisition
🔹 Company: BlackRock
🔹 Location: London, Greater London
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Financial Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading Private Markets Data Acquisition initiatives using advanced technologies and AI
- Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to define strategic goals and develop solutions
- Mentoring Product Managers in the wider team and building strong relationships with stakeholders
- Working in a dynamic environment with a focus on precision and accuracy
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in product management, data acquisition, and AI, as well as strong leadership and communication skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Deliver product to automate the acquisition of Private Markets data using latest technologies and AI tools
✅ Lead a team of Product Managers responsible for delivering products for Private Markets Data Acquisition
✅ Collaborate closely with engineers, designers, business SMEs, and other Product Managers to align on problems, develop solutions, and demonstrate great execution to turn ideas and goals into products
✅ Work closely with leadership across Aladdin to define our strategic goals and identify how best to deliver on them
✅ Define and track key performance metrics to guide product development
✅ Identify the largest opportunities for the team, and develop a roadmap to achieve those opportunities
✅ Build iteratively, continuously incorporating stakeholder feedback to evolve and refine the product
✅ Serve as subject matter expert and partner with business to translate problems into detailed requirements
✅ Build strong relationships with internal and external customers and leverage this network for continuous discovery and product evolution
✅ Engage with stakeholders to better understand their workflows, and build solutions that help them achieve their goals
✅ Mentor Product Managers in the wider Private Markets Data Engineering team
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration and requires strong communication and leadership skills to manage a team and work with various stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline). Advanced degree preferred.
Experience: 10+ years of experience in product management, with a focus on data-driven products and products that leverage AI. Proven experience in building a data acquisition system in financial markets and working in large enterprise environments.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of delivering data-driven products and products that leverage AI
- Strong background in evolving a technology product vision, consulting on the product, and leading requirements gathering, design, and implementation
- Proven ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a dynamic team
- Self-motivated with the capacity to navigate ambiguity and take initiative in uncertain situations
- Relentless focus on precision and accuracy in all aspects of work
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to analyze datasets and derive meaningful insights for product development
- Exposure to technology (e.g., SQL, Python), and experience working with developers, and in a leadership role
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the financial services industry
- Familiarity with Aladdin technology platform
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on data acquisition and AI, candidates with a strong background in data analysis and machine learning may also be suitable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £120,000 - £180,000 per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in London's financial services sector)
Benefits:
- Retirement Investment
- Education Reimbursement
- Physical Health Support
- Emotional Well-being Support
- Family Support Programs
- Flexible Time Off
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements (4 days in the office, 1 day remote)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Financial Services. BlackRock is a global asset manager and technology provider, helping millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large enterprise, BlackRock offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth.
Founded: 1988. BlackRock has a rich history and a strong track record in the financial services industry.
Company Description:
- BlackRock is a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being.
- The company offers a global investments platform that provides clients access to the world’s markets while making investing easier and more affordable.
- With offices in more than 40 countries, BlackRock's global expertise helps clients navigate changing markets to stay ahead of the curve.
Company Specialties:
- Investment Management
- Technology Solutions
- Risk Management
- Sustainable Investing
Company Website: www.blackrock.com
ASSUMPTION: BlackRock's extensive global presence and resources provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director. This role is a senior leadership position within the Private Markets Data Engineering team.
Reporting Structure: The Director will lead a team of Product Managers and collaborate with various stakeholders across Aladdin.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in the office, 1 day remote). This arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong team culture.
Growth Opportunities:
- Mentoring and developing Product Managers within the team
- Collaborating with leadership across Aladdin to define strategic goals and identify opportunities for growth
- Expanding expertise in data acquisition, AI, and financial markets
ASSUMPTION: Given the seniority of the role and the dynamic nature of the team, there are ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid. The office is located in the Verde Building, 10 Bressenden Place, London - L14.
Office Location(s): London, Greater London
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global financial hub, offering ample opportunities for networking and professional development.
- The office is located in a central and well-connected area, with easy access to public transportation.
- The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible work arrangements (4 days in the office, 1 day remote)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment offers a balance between collaboration and flexibility, fostering a productive and engaging work experience.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Technical assessment or case study
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Product management skills and experience
- Technical proficiency in data acquisition, AI, and related technologies
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the financial services industry and BlackRock's business
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
ATS Keywords: Product Management, Data Acquisition, AI, Machine Learning, Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Financial Services, BlackRock, Aladdin
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as the specific needs of the team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SQL
- Python
- AI and machine learning tools
- Project management software (e.g., JIRA, Asana)
- Collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team's needs and the candidate's expertise.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Put Clients First
- Act Like Owners
- Do the Right Thing
- Teamwork Makes Us Great
- Innovate and Embrace Change
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on delivering high-quality products and solutions
- Adaptable and open to change
- Committed to continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with BlackRock's core values, particularly 'Act Like Owners' and 'Innovate and Embrace Change'?
- How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, balancing in-office collaboration and remote work?
- How do you approach mentoring and developing team members, and how does this align with BlackRock's teamwork-focused culture?
ASSUMPTION: BlackRock's culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and a strong commitment to clients, making it an attractive fit for candidates who thrive in collaborative, dynamic environments.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team and collaborating with various stakeholders in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Navigating ambiguity and taking initiative in uncertain situations
- Maintaining a relentless focus on precision and accuracy in all aspects of work
- Adapting to changes in the financial services industry and evolving client needs
ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role require strong leadership, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a deep understanding of the financial services industry and data acquisition processes.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other product management positions in its focus on data acquisition, AI, and the financial services industry
- Compared to other senior leadership roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic planning, team management, and hands-on product development
- Career progression may involve expanding into other areas of BlackRock's business or taking on more strategic responsibilities within the Private Markets Data Engineering team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and growth opportunities, making it an attractive fit for candidates with a strong background in product management, data acquisition, and AI, as well as a passion for the financial services industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing an automated data acquisition system for Private Markets data using AI and machine learning tools
- Collaborating with stakeholders to define and refine product requirements, and incorporating feedback to evolve and refine the product
- Mentoring and developing Product Managers within the team, and supporting their professional growth and development
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects associated with this role may vary depending on the team's needs and the candidate's expertise, but will likely involve a combination of strategic planning, team management, and hands-on product development.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader strategy of the Private Markets Data Engineering team and BlackRock's business?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team's success during this transition period?
- How does BlackRock support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in senior leadership roles?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in these areas?
- How does BlackRock's culture and work environment support collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning and improvement?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Research BlackRock's business and the financial services industry to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
