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- Tasks: Conduct operational due diligence and assess investment opportunities in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join BlackRock, a leader in investment management with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, education reimbursement, and comprehensive health resources.
- Why this job: Shape the future of investment management while working with top industry experts.
- Qualifications: Curiosity and passion for investments are key; experience is a bonus.
- Other info: Hybrid work model supports collaboration and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
BlackRock's Manager Research Operational Due Diligence team is looking for an Associate to join our team in London.
BlackRock Manager Research ("BMR") is a global team that drives innovation in selecting the best investment managers across public and private markets. BMR is organized into three expert pillars: Investment Due Diligence (IDD), Operational Due Diligence (ODD), and Quantitative Due Diligence (QDD), where we analyse data, trends, and strategies to ensure our clients’ investments thrive. As part of BlackRock’s Multi‑Asset Strategies & Solutions (MASS) group, you’ll be at the heart of how we approach asset allocation, portfolio construction, and active management.
Your Role
As an Associate on our Operational Due Diligence team, you will dive deep into comprehensive operational reviews of underlying investments, assessing personnel, policies, procedures, and the overall control environment of the firm. You’ll cover areas such as trading, asset valuation, third‑party service providers, counterparty risk, regulatory developments, compliance, fund governance, as well as technology and cybersecurity.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Performing assessments on new investment opportunities and ongoing monitoring of existing investments.
- Meeting with the C‑suite and senior leadership of third‑party investment managers, leading experts in BlackRock, and industry service providers.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment, possesses strong analytical and organisational skills, and has a passion for continuous development and improvement. Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a relentless drive to excel.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct operational due diligence reviews on existing and prospective investments, including evaluations of internal controls, operational support structure, personnel, trading infrastructure, regulatory environment, compliance program, financing arrangements, cash management procedures, valuation practices, NAV production, service providers, IT and cybersecurity.
- Perform operational assessments and present findings to the Investment Committee.
- Deliver recommendations on best practices to external investment managers and internal partners.
- Coordinate and participate in meetings with C‑suite executives (e.g. COO, CFO) and other senior management personnel.
- Contribute to client engagement efforts and ongoing servicing.
- Conduct reviews of key industry service providers such as fund administrators, third‑party valuation agents, compliance and IT consultants, prime brokers.
- Assist with legal fund documentation review and negotiations.
- Build a comprehensive understanding of investment strategies and asset classes through independent research, engagement in the industry and across the Firm.
- Drive initiatives and projects focused on process enhancement and emergent industry trends.
What You Offer
- Fresh Perspectives: 3‑5 years of experience is great but not crucial – we’re more interested in your curiosity and passion for investments.
- Academic Excellence: Whether you studied Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or something similar, we want to see outstanding academic credentials.
- Ambition: Got your eye on the CFA or CPA? Amazing! We love people who are committed to personal growth.
- Confidence and Communication: You’re articulate, confident, and ready to present your ideas to everyone from teammates to senior leadership to C‑suite executives.
- Energy and Drive: You bring a sense of urgency, a hands‑on approach, and the ability to balance the big picture with the details.
- Relationship Builder: You’re great at establishing rapport and forming meaningful connections inside and outside the organization.
- Tech Savvy: Proficient in Python, R, SQL, etc.? Fantastic! We can put those skills to good use.
- Willingness to Travel: Domestically and internationally – our investment managers are all over the world!
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.
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 education, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy.
BlackRock Manager Research - Operational Due Diligence Associate in London employer: CFA Institute
Contact Detail:
CFA Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land BlackRock Manager Research - Operational Due Diligence Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at BlackRock on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find anywhere else.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Operational Due Diligence roles and practice your responses. Make sure you can articulate your analytical skills and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Associate position.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your tech skills! If you’re proficient in Python, R, or SQL, be ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools in past projects. Highlighting your tech-savvy side can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace BlackRock Manager Research - Operational Due Diligence Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operational Due Diligence role. Highlight any relevant projects or roles that showcase your analytical and organisational skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about investments and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your curiosity and drive.
Showcase Your Tech Skills: If you're proficient in Python, R, SQL, or any other relevant tech skills, make sure to highlight these in your application. We love candidates who can bring a tech-savvy approach to operational due diligence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into BlackRock's Manager Research and understand their operational due diligence process. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like internal controls, compliance programmes, and trading infrastructure. This will not only show your interest but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used analytical skills in past roles. Whether it's evaluating investment opportunities or conducting operational assessments, be ready to share your thought process and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in a data-driven environment.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since you'll be interacting with C-suite executives, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication style. Being able to present complex information simply is key in this role.
✨Be Curious and Engaged
During the interview, ask insightful questions about BlackRock's approach to operational due diligence and industry trends. This shows your intellectual curiosity and passion for continuous improvement, which are qualities they value highly. Plus, it helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.