Product Manager, Real Estate

About Schroders
We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.

We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.

The base
We moved into our new HQ in the City of London in 2018. We're close to our clients, in the heart of the UK's financial centre. And we have everything we need to work flexibly.

The team
The Real Estate Capital Formation Team takes responsibility for the client and product management of the real estate business, including coordination of the sales and marketing of all the funds, separate accounts, joint ventures and direct/co-investments of Schroders Real Estate. The team comprises c.20 people globally with the majority based in London. We work closely with our colleagues in the RE investment teams, fund operations and distribution globally.

Schroders Capital Real Estate
Headquartered in London, Schroders Capital Real Estate (‘SCRE') was established 50 years ago as the dedicated real estate investment arm of Schroders Group plc, one of the largest and longest established independent global investment management companies in the world with almost US$1trn of AUM. Today, SCRE comprises more than 300+ real estate-focused professionals located in 16 offices who manage over 1,000 commercial properties valued at more than €30bbn.

Constantly changing business and consumer preferences, especially because of digitalisation, environmental concerns and a changing demographic, have created new dynamics in the way we live, work and play, and hence how we ultimately utilise real estate.  Consequently, an intimate knowledge of occupiers' business models, their success drivers, as well as their intended use of the buildings has become fundamental to investing in and managing real estate.  Operational skills and a flexible, innovative mind-set have also become crucial tools for owners when managing and driving sustainable income and value creation.

At Schroders Capital we have invested significantly in our real estate platform to expand our local presence in all major real estate markets and to embed true operational real estate expertise, across all sectors, within our business.  We apply this expertise to tailor the services and terms we provide to tenants and users, optimising the efficiency of operations in the building and minimising the wastage of scarce resources within the property.  We call this our “hospitality approach”: every property is treated like it is its own business and, by optimising the operations of the asset, we ultimately strive to deliver sustainable long term income/value for our investors.  

With our clients' requirements in mind, we design and offer real estate strategies that align with and benefit from long term trends, while exploiting short term disruptions.  These strategies can be focused on security of income, value creation and total return, or a combination of both. Similarly, the investment strategies can be accessed through multiple structures including direct real estate (in partnership), open or closed- ended funds, listed REITS, or even via debt structures.  In doing so, we offer prospective clients access to our deep real estate expertise across sectors and geographies in a holistic, solutions-driven approach tailored to our clients' requirements with respect to liquidity, risk appetite, income versus return objectives and envisaged governance. 

Who we're looking for
As a Product Manager you will be an experienced, client-centric and personable individual who enjoys taking project responsibility for product management for several well-established Schroders Capital Real Estate Funds/ Separate Accounts in the UK. 
This position will suit somebody who is well-organised and capable of multi-tasking as you will be running multiple projects simultaneously involving both the investment team as well as other members of the global real estate team around the world. Teamwork and good communication skills are essential characteristics. 
Many of the tasks will be relatively time-critical and so prioritisation and a willingness to seek guidance to meet deadlines will be important. 

What you'll do
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the product management of our flagship European products.

The role will involve close collaboration on strategy execution with senior members of the investment team, alongside engagement with multiple internal stakeholders, such as generalist and specialist distribution personnel, operations, tax, legal, sustainability, compliance and investment risk.  The successful candidate will work in partnership with distribution and investment teams to represent the organisation. 

The principal responsibilities will include: 

• Day-to-day investor relations responsibilities to maintain high standards of client service and support, for example, responding to client queries, RfPs / RfIs, questionnaires and acting as the key liaison point on the mandates for wider Schroders teams;
• Produce and maintain high quality marketing materials for relevant products, including teasers, website materials, and presentations;
• Support the Investment Team in execution of the growth objectives through market screening of competitor products;
• Lead on the production of high quality and timely fund reports on fund/mandate performance and strategy, update presentations and webinars in conjunction with the Investment Team;
• Operate effectively within a regulated environment and adhering to Schroders' policies and best practices and 
• Manage and develop junior member(s) of the team.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• Good quality university degree and ideally some form of post graduate qualification such as RICS, CFA, MSc;
• Experience within a product management team in an asset management business;
• Management experience of leading and developing less experienced team members;
• Keen interest in private assets - and particularly real estate-investment markets;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail;
• Ability to form good working relationships internally with colleagues in relevant teams as well as with third-party service providers and investors to run complex projects;
• Fluent in English and
• Sound financial understanding and at least basic modelling skills

What you'll be like

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy;
• Good at working in a team, and with other internal Schroder teams to service clients;
• A really good communicator – excellent written English skills;
• Flexible, curious and willing to learn, with a strong work ethic;
• Self-motivated and demonstrate initiative and
• Organised, able to work under pressure, on several priorities at once, and with tight deadlines.

We recognise potential, whoever you are
Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought, facilitated by an inclusive culture, will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.