Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh
Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA)

Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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abrdn

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and execute the ETF growth strategy across UK and EMEA.
  • Company: Join Aberdeen, a leading Wealth & Investments group focused on client impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, 16% pension contribution, and flexible benefits.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of ETFs and drive international expansion in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong ETF knowledge and client-facing skills required.
  • Other info: Blended working approach for a balanced work-life experience.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

At Aberdeen, our ambition is to be the UK’s leading Wealth & Investments group. Strengthening talent and culture is one of our strategic priorities. We strive to make Aberdeen a great place to work so that we can attract and retain the industry’s best talent. Our people put our stakeholders at the heart of everything they do by helping us to make a positive difference to the lives of our clients, customers, colleagues, shareholders, and society. We are focused on growing our direct and advised wealth platforms and repositioning our specialist asset management business to meet client demand. We are committed to providing excellent client service, supported by leading technology and talent.

Aberdeen comprises three businesses, interactive investor (ii), Investments, and Adviser, each of which focuses on meeting and adapting to our clients’ evolving needs:

  • interactive investor, the UK’s second largest direct-to-consumer investment platform, enables individuals in the UK to plan, save, and invest in the way that works for them.
  • Our Adviser business provides financial planning solutions and technology for UK financial advisers, enabling them to create value for their customers.
  • Our Investments business is a specialist asset manager that focuses on areas where we have both strength and scale to capitalise on the key themes shaping the market, through either public markets or alternative asset classes.

About the Department: Our Global ETFs team leads Aberdeen’s efforts to scale and position our ETF capabilities across regions, supporting our ambition to enable clients to be better investors. We collaborate closely across distribution, product, marketing and investment teams to deliver a consistent global ETF strategy. The department is purpose led, highly collaborative and forward thinking, with a culture built on clarity, shared ambition and client-centred innovation.

About the Role: As Head of UK/EMEA ETF Strategy, you will play a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing Aberdeen’s ETF growth strategy across the UK and EMEA. Operating at Director level, you will translate global strategy into regional commercial success, acting as the senior partner to the Global Head of ETFs. Based in London or Edinburgh with blended working, the role offers a unique opportunity to drive international ETF expansion, strengthen client engagement and help build the commercial foundation for future UCITS ETF development. This is a key strategic hire that allows you to invest in your tomorrow by influencing a global growth agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and execution of the UK/EMEA ETF commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with global priorities and long-term growth ambitions.
  • Drive commercial outcomes across the region, including net new assets, platform penetration, model portfolio inclusion and strategic partnerships.
  • Act as a senior investment specialist for Aberdeen’s ETF range, supporting client engagements, RFPs, DDQs and internal training.
  • Build market readiness for future UCITS ETF launches through market assessment, product positioning and distribution planning.
  • Strengthen cross‑regional coordination, ensuring consistent messaging, scalable processes and a unified global ETF approach.

About the Candidate: Strong knowledge of ETFs, including distribution, investment positioning, product strategy or capital markets. Credible client-facing capability, with confidence presenting investment ideas and supporting senior-level engagements. Ability to navigate and influence within a complex global matrix, working collaboratively across geographies and functions. Experience contributing to product and commercial strategy, ideally within ETFs or related asset management functions. Comfortable wearing multiple hats in a high‑growth environment, with a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you have a disability and would like to apply to one of our UK roles under the Disability Confident Scheme, please notify us by completing the relevant section in our candidate questionnaire. One of our team will reach out to support you through your application process.

Our benefits: There’s more to working life than coming home with a good salary. We have an environment where you can learn, get involved and be supported. When you join us, your reward will be one of the best around. This includes 40 days’ annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, a discretionary performance-based bonus (where applicable), private healthcare and a range of flexible benefits – including gym discounts, season ticket loans and access to an employee discount portal.

Our business: Enabling our clients to be better investors drives everything we do. Our business is structured around three distinct areas – our vectors of growth – focused on our clients’ changing needs.

An inclusive way of working: Whatever way you like to work, if you have the talent and commitment to join our team, we’d like to hear from you. At Aberdeen we’ve adopted a ‘blended working’ approach. This approach combines the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, coaching and connecting in our offices with the flexibility of working from home. It enables colleagues to find a balance that works for their roles, their teams, our clients and our business, where diverse perspectives drive our actions, is at the core of who we are and what we do.

Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh employer: abrdn

Aberdeen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave, a substantial pension contribution, and a flexible working environment, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The opportunity to lead the UK/EMEA ETF Strategy from either London or Edinburgh allows for impactful contributions to a forward-thinking team dedicated to client success and innovation in the investment landscape.
abrdn

Contact Detail:

abrdn Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream role at Aberdeen.

✨Show Off Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on ETFs and how you can contribute to their growth strategy. Confidence is key!

✨Tailor Your Approach

Do your homework on Aberdeen’s values and goals. When you’re networking or interviewing, align your skills and experiences with what they’re looking for. Make it clear why you’re the perfect fit for their team.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles, including the Head of ETF Strategy position.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh

ETF Knowledge
Commercial Strategy Development
Client Engagement
Investment Positioning
Product Strategy
Market Assessment
Cross-Regional Coordination
Presentation Skills
Collaboration
Proactive Problem-Solving
Influencing Skills
High-Growth Environment Adaptability
RFP and DDQ Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of ETF Strategy role. Highlight your experience with ETFs and how it aligns with our goals at Aberdeen. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambition of being the UK’s leading Wealth & Investments group.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully driven commercial outcomes in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!

Be Client-Centric: At Aberdeen, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. In your application, share examples of how you've engaged with clients and delivered value. Show us that you understand the importance of client service and how you can enhance it within our ETF strategy.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at abrdn

✨Know Your ETFs Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of ETFs, including their distribution, investment positioning, and product strategy. Be prepared to discuss recent trends in the ETF market and how they relate to Aberdeen's goals.

✨Showcase Your Client Engagement Skills

Since this role involves significant client interaction, practice articulating your investment ideas clearly and confidently. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with clients or stakeholders.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be ready to discuss how you would translate global ETF strategies into regional success. Prepare to share your thoughts on potential commercial outcomes and partnerships that could benefit Aberdeen in the UK and EMEA markets.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Influence

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively across different teams and geographies. Share examples of how you've navigated complex organisational structures to achieve common goals, as this will be crucial for the role.

Head of ETF Strategy (UK/EMEA) in Edinburgh
abrdn
Location: Edinburgh
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