Associate – Client Relations - Benelux in London

Location: London

Department: Client Group (Distribution)

Job Type: Permanent Full Time

Area of Interest: Client Relations

Reporting to: Jonathan Morillo

Summary of Role

The EMEA division of AB is comprised of client/distributor-focused Advisors & Associates as well as consultant-focused and marketing professionals dedicated to building and servicing our client base in EMEA. Within the division, Client Relations Associates work in a team environment, comprised of Advisors, Associates, Marketing and Assistants, to support client service and prospecting efforts for the region. The purpose of this role is to support the Client Relations Advisors in servicing clients in Benelux and Nordics as well as supporting business development efforts with clients and prospects. The successful candidate will be a motivated self‐starter, eager to learn about the global asset management business and capable of working in a fast‐paced environment. Candidates must be detail‐oriented and possess strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills. Ability to work successfully in a team and to be supportive and inclusive. An undergraduate university degree is mandatory and prior professional work experience is desirable as well as the IMC. A strong work ethic and healthy ambition for responsibility is also essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all client activity and provide the central point of reference for internal and external contacts associated with a client relationship.
• Act as the first point of contact for all client inquiries and collaborate with colleagues in other departments to successfully resolve them (including product/performance/market related queries, operational issues, legal amendments, billing queries, etc.).
• Ensure each stage in the lifecycle of the relationship progresses smoothly (including introduction, negotiation of distribution agreements, on‐boarding, go‐live, ongoing support, client service).
• Partner with Advisors to ensure strong client relationships built on trust and to help build advocacy with prospects.
• Coordinate and oversee client service and prospecting materials such as presentations for meetings, RFPs, ad‐hoc reports and general correspondence.
• Oversee the new account take‐on process, coordinating legal, portfolio management and operational items with the relevant internal departments.
• Provide post‐sales support using fund updates, manager commentaries, charts, Excel files, etc.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other departments to successfully resolve client/distributor issues in a timely manner, notably with Legal, Operations, Product Management and Marketing.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation and distribution of client reporting, client service and prospecting materials.
• Generate monthly sales and any other recurring reports.
• Provide continual feedback to management on market conditions, distributor requests, product requests, competitor information and operational or other issues.
• Maintain client files and CRM system/databases (Salesforce).
• Participate in department, regional and firm‐wide projects and initiatives, and take on greater responsibility when exceeding expectations.

Personal Attributes

• Undergraduate university degree.
• IMC preferable/willing to attain.
• Interest in the financial services industry.
• 2 years+ prior relevant work experience.
• Ability to interact with senior management.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to handle assignments and projects with minimal direction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Skills / Experience

• Self‐motivation.
• Tenacity.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Self‐reliance for regular/familiar tasks.
• Good communicator (verbal and written) with listening skills.
• Supportive and inclusive.
• Keenness to learn about AB's investment strategies.
• Adherence to Associate teams' processes.
• Strong time management and organisation skills.
• Driven by deadlines and able to reassess priorities.
• Uses own initiative to work out the best plan of action for non‐familiar tasks and as responsibilities broaden.
• Confidence to bring new ideas to Advisors, colleagues and leaders, and to develop/lead on team initiatives where appropriate.
• Open to feedback.
• Professional, courteous and flexible.

AB does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status or any other basis that is prohibited by applicable law. AB's policies, as well as practices, seek to ensure that employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants, based solely on job‐related criteria. Please be advised that AB does not solicit confidential information from job applicants during the screening process, nor extend job offers without the candidate participating in a series of interviews to be properly considered for an open role. If you receive requests for confidential information, outside of the formal interviewing process even if the person asserts that they represent AB, we encourage you not to reply.