Associate, Product Strategy - Alternative Portfolio Solutions & Direct Private Opportunities

About this role BlackRock takes a dynamic approach to alternative investments, bringing together investment capabilities, portfolio construction expertise, technology and global resources to help clients pursue resilient long-term outcomes. Within Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions, Alternative Portfolio Solutions (APS) and Direct Private Opportunities (DPO) design and manage private markets solutions for all client segments. APS constructs diversified private markets portfolios and solutions using the breadth of capabilities across BlackRock’s private markets platform. DPO builds portfolios of private market diversifiers, including specialty and emerging investment opportunities. Product Strategy connects these investment capabilities with clients, distribution partners and the wider firm through product positioning, client engagement, content and business development, and implementation. Role summary We are seeking an Associate to join the EMEA Product Strategy team supporting APS and DPO. The role will help grow and retain client investments by translating complex private markets capabilities into clear, relevant and commercially effective client propositions. The Associate will work closely with senior Product Strategists, portfolio managers, regional distribution teams and functional partners across the firm. This is a hands-on role for a developing product specialist who can take ownership of defined workstreams, deliver high-quality analysis and materials with limited supervision, and exercise sound judgement when coordinating non-routine client and product activity. The successful candidate will combine intellectual curiosity about private markets with strong execution, collaboration and communication skills. Key responsibilities Client engagement and commercial support Support senior Product Strategists and distribution partners in developing and progressing opportunities across institutional and wealth channels, with particular focus on German- and French-speaking markets. Prepare for and participate in client and prospect meetings, developing briefing notes, presentations, follow-up materials and responses tailored to the audience and market. Build credible relationships with internal distribution teams and selected clients; respond to enquiries accurately, promptly and with appropriate judgement on when to involve senior colleagues. Contribute to regional business planning, pipeline prioritisation and market mapping through structured analysis of client needs, market activity and competitor positioning. Product positioning, content and investment insight Develop in-depth knowledge of APS and DPO investment strategies, portfolios, performance drivers, implementation approaches and the broader private markets landscape. Create and maintain high-quality client materials, including pitchbooks, product briefs, due diligence responses, case studies, market updates and educational content. Translate technical investment concepts into clear, concise and client-relevant messages in English, German and French, working with Marketing and Compliance as required. Monitor market, regulatory and competitor developments relevant to private markets and convert insights into practical implications for product positioning and client engagement. Product development and implementation Support product development and innovation by gathering client feedback, analysing demand and helping prepare business cases for new or adapted solutions. Own defined workstreams within product launches, bespoke mandates and structurally complex implementations, coordinating timelines, dependencies and deliverables across Legal, Compliance, Operations, Finance, Technology and distribution teams. Maintain accurate product, pipeline and activity information in relevant systems and ensure that decisions, risks and follow-up actions are documented and communicated. Identify practical improvements to recurring processes, templates and data flows, including responsible use of AI and automation to improve quality, consistency and scalability. Team contribution and ways of working Operate as a reliable, accountable team member who follows through on commitments, communicates transparently and raises client, delivery or reputational risks promptly. Work collaboratively across locations and functions, actively seeking input, sharing relevant information and contributing to a connected and inclusive team culture. Flexibly manage multiple priorities with discipline, maintaining high standards of accuracy and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment. Continue to build specialist knowledge and judgement through feedback, market learning and exposure to clients, products and investment teams. Experience and qualifications Relevant experience in asset management, private markets, investment product strategy, client service, sales support, investment consulting, research or a related financial services role. Strong interest in private markets and portfolio construction, with the ability to develop a detailed understanding of investment strategies, portfolio positioning and product structures. Demonstrated ability to analyse information, form recommendations and deliver non-routine work to a high standard with limited supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex investment concepts for different audiences. Strong organisational and project-management skills, sound judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage several workstreams and deadlines. Collaborative and proactive working style, with the confidence to build relationships across investment, distribution and functional teams. High standards of integrity, client focus, accountability and risk awareness. Strong proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel; curiosity about technology, data and AI-enabled ways of working. Preference for fluency in German and/or French, together with excellent written and spoken English. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. CFA, CAIA or relevant postgraduate study is helpful but not required. Willingness to travel within EMEA as client and business needs require. What success looks like at Associate level Takes ownership of defined client, product and project workstreams and delivers accurate, timely outputs with minimal supervision. Develops sufficient product and market knowledge to provide useful analysis and recommendations, while applying sound judgement on escalation. Earns trust through reliable execution, transparent communication and consistent follow-through. Contributes to team objectives by collaborating across BlackRock, incorporating different perspectives and sharing information that helps others succeed. Improves how work is delivered by seeking feedback, resolving issues promptly and designing solutions with longer-term scalability in mind. Our benefits To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about. Our hybrid work model BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock. Guidance on AI use for candidates At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self. About BlackRock At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress. This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive. To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com . We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube , X , and TikTok . BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.