Asset Management Product Development Manager

First Abu Dhabi Bank; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is seeking an experienced Asset Management Product Development Manager to develop, position, and manage investment products across asset classes. The role collaborates with Investment, Sales, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Technology to support product development and implementation.

The role leads ideation, pricing, business case development, and portfolio optimisation aligned with FAB Asset Management's strategy and profitability objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related discipline.
• 5–10 years of professional experience in investment product development or product management.
• Experience in asset management or regulated financial services.
• Proficient in market and competitive research using industry databases.
• Ability to develop, evaluate, or challenge investment product pricing structures.
• Experience preparing RFP responses and client proposals.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of FAB Asset Management's investment product range across asset classes and product types.
• Identify new product opportunities based on market developments, investor requirements, and competitive positioning.
• Lead investment product ideation and define appropriate product propositions for target client segments.
• Develop product concepts that align with the asset management business strategy and distribution capabilities.
• Evaluate market demand and commercial opportunities before recommending new investment products.
• Establish product development priorities based on strategic objectives, client needs, and financial viability.
• Maintain a multi-year product development roadmap aligned with FAB Asset Management's commercial strategy.
• Demonstrate FAB Asset Management's values in product development and business activities.
• Coordinate product prioritisation based on market demand, commercial strategy, and distribution capacity.
• Monitor product development milestones and identify dependencies affecting delivery.
• Maintain an updated multi-year product roadmap.
• Provide management with information on proposed launches, product economics, and development priorities.
• Define the commercial positioning and value proposition of investment products, and support sales through client materials.

Skills

Market research

Competitive analysis

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Commercial judgement

Proposal development

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or Business

Job description

Asset Management Product Development Manager Job Snapshot - Role: Asset Management Product Development Manager - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Banking - Function: Product Management - Experience: 5-10 years - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Position Overview

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is seeking an experienced Asset Management Product Development Manager to support the development, commercial positioning, and lifecycle management of investment products within FAB Asset Management (FAB AM). The role is responsible for developing a competitive and commercially sustainable investment product range across multiple asset classes and product structures. The successful candidate will lead product ideation, design, pricing, business case development, and portfolio optimisation based on market research, client demand, regulatory considerations, and competitive analysis. The position requires close collaboration with Investment, Sales, Distribution, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Technology teams to support product development and implementation. The role also contributes directly to commercial activities, including requests for proposals, due diligence questionnaires, and client presentations. The successful candidate will combine investment product knowledge, analytical capabilities, and commercial judgement to develop differentiated products that support FAB Asset Management 's business strategy and profitability objectives.

Job Details - Country: United Arab Emirates - City: Abu Dhabi - Industry: Banking - Function: Product Management - Salary: Not disclosed - Gender: No Preference - Candidate Nationality: Not specified - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the development of FAB Asset Management 's investment product range across asset classes and product types.
• Identify new product opportunities based on market developments, investor requirements, and competitive positioning.
• Lead investment product ideation and define appropriate product propositions for target client segments.
• Develop product concepts that align with the asset management business strategy and distribution capabilities.
• Evaluate market demand and commercial opportunities before recommending new investment products.
• Establish product development priorities based on strategic objectives, client needs, and financial viability.
• Maintain a multi-year product development roadmap aligned with FAB Asset Management 's commercial strategy.
• Demonstrate FAB Asset Management 's values in product development and business activities.

Market Research and Competitive Analysis

• Analyse investment market trends, capital flows, client demand, and regulatory developments.
• Conduct research across relevant investment asset classes and product categories.
• Evaluate competitor investment product ranges, structures, and commercial propositions.
• Benchmark management fees, performance fees, and other pricing components against competing products.
• Use industry databases and market information to support product development decisions.
• Identify opportunities to differentiate FAB Asset Management 's products within target markets.
• Translate market intelligence into actionable product development and pricing recommendations.
• Maintain current knowledge of investment product trends and competitive developments.

Investment Product Design and Structuring

• Lead the design of investment products from initial concept through approved product specifications.
• Define investment propositions, mandates, investment strategies, and relevant benchmarks.
• Determine suitable investment vehicle structures and domiciles based on product objectives.
• Design share class structures appropriate for different investor segments and distribution channels.
• Evaluate currency arrangements and hedging requirements during product design.
• Define target investor groups and appropriate product distribution models.
• Assess product structures against commercial, operational, and regulatory considerations.
• Ensure product specifications provide clear direction to teams responsible for legal documentation and implementation.
• Act as the product design authority while Legal, Compliance, and other relevant departments execute regulatory filings, documentation, and operational implementation.

Product Pricing and Commercial Economics

• Develop and maintain pricing structures for FAB Asset Management investment products.
• Define management fees, performance fees, and other applicable product charges.
• Evaluate pricing arrangements across different share classes and investor categories.
• Assess distribution economics, fee breakpoints, and discount structures.
• Model product revenue, operating margins, and expected profitability.
• Analyse the financial implications of proposed product pricing decisions.
• Benchmark pricing against comparable investment products in the market.
• Ensure proposed products remain commercially viable and competitively positioned.
• Recommend pricing adjustments based on product performance, market developments, and profitability analysis.

Business Case Development and Product Pipeline Management

• Prepare detailed business cases supporting proposed investment products.
• Evaluate expected commercial benefits, investment requirements, and financial outcomes.
• Prepare product proposals and supporting papers for relevant management and governance committees.
• Maintain oversight of the investment product development pipeline.
• Coordinate product prioritisation based on market demand, commercial strategy, and distribution capacity.
• Monitor product development milestones and identify dependencies affecting delivery.
• Maintain an updated multi-year product roadmap.
• Provide management with information on proposed launches, product economics, and development priorities.

Commercial Positioning and Distribution Support

• Define the commercial positioning and value proposition of individual investment products.
• Identify product features and investment characteristics that support differentiation in the market.
• Develop product information and competitive comparisons for sales and distribution teams.
• Support commercial teams in communicating investment strategies and product benefits to clients.
• Work with distribution stakeholders to align product propositions with target investor requirements.
• Provide product expertise during client proposal development and commercial discussions.
• Ensure product information accurately reflects approved investment propositions and commercial terms.

Requests for Proposals and Client Documentation

• Contribute to responses for requests for proposals (RFPs) and due diligence questionnaires (DDQs).
• Draft and review investment product information included in client proposals.
• Prepare content explaining investment strategies, product structures, and competitive positioning.
• Coordinate with sales and distribution teams to meet client submission deadlines.
• Maintain a reusable library of approved investment product information and responses.
• Review product-related commercial documentation for accuracy and consistency.
• Support the preparation of clear and professional client-facing investment materials.

Investment Product Lifecycle Management

• Manage the investment product lifecycle from initial business case development through launch and ongoing review.
• Monitor product performance, investment flows, profitability, and market relevance.
• Conduct post-launch reviews to evaluate commercial performance and product positioning.
• Identify products requiring repositioning, pricing adjustments, or structural changes.
• Recommend product range rationalisation where appropriate.
• Coordinate proposals for product mergers or closures based on commercial and strategic considerations.
• Evaluate the continued suitability of products within the overall asset management offering.
• Work with relevant departments to support approved lifecycle changes and implementation activities.

Cross-Functional Product Delivery

• Act as the business owner for investment product development and delivery.
• Coordinate with Investment, Legal, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Technology teams throughout the product development process.
• Work with external legal counsel where required.
• Provide product design requirements to teams responsible for documentation, regulatory submissions, and implementation.
• Monitor delivery timelines and dependencies across participating departments.
• Support the resolution of product development issues and implementation challenges.
• Maintain consistency between approved product specifications and implementation activities.
• Ensure relevant stakeholders understand product objectives, structures, and commercial requirements.

Regulatory Awareness and Management Reporting

• Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting investment product design and distribution.
• Understand the implications of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Capital Market Authority (CMA) product frameworks.
• Consider relevant regulatory requirements when developing investment product structures and distribution models.
• Coordinate with Legal, Compliance, and Risk teams on product-related regulatory considerations.
• Provide management with updates on product development activities and launch readiness.
• Prepare reports covering product pipelines, pricing, commercial performance, and profitability.
• Highlight material issues affecting product development timelines or commercial outcomes.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor 's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• 5-10 years of professional experience in investment product development, product management, or product strategy.
• Experience within asset management or regulated financial services.
• Practical experience analysing investment markets, investor demand, and competitor product offerings.
• Experience using industry databases to support market and competitive research.
• Demonstrated experience developing, evaluating, or challenging investment product pricing structures.
• Experience assessing product revenue, margins, and profitability.
• Practical experience preparing RFP responses, due diligence questionnaires, and client-facing investment proposals.
• Experience coordinating product development activities involving multiple internal stakeholders.
• Ability to manage product development schedules, dependencies, and commercial deadlines.

Investment Product Knowledge

• Strong understanding of investment products and strategies across multiple asset classes.
• Knowledge of investment vehicle structures and product design considerations.
• Understanding of investment mandates, benchmarks, and investor segmentation.
• Familiarity with share class structures and distribution arrangements.
• Knowledge of investment product fee structures and commercial economics.
• Understanding of currency and hedging considerations in investment product design.
• Sufficient familiarity with investment product documentation to guide the teams responsible for its preparation and implementation.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements affecting investment product design and distribution.

Technical and Analytical Skills

• Strong market research and competitive analysis capabilities.
• Ability to evaluate investment product demand and commercial opportunities.
• Experience modelling product revenue, margins, and profitability.
• Ability to assess fee structures and distribution economics.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop commercially credible product business cases.
• Capacity to translate market information into differentiated investment product propositions.
• Ability to prepare clear product specifications and management recommendations.

Commercial and Professional Competencies

• Strong commercial judgement and understanding of investment product positioning.
• Excellent written English communication skills.
• Ability to prepare professional client proposals and product-related documentation.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to lead product development workstreams involving multiple departments.
• Effective planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding commercial deadlines.
• Initiative and accountability in managing assigned product responsibilities.
• Ability to communicate product concepts and commercial recommendations clearly.
• Strong collaboration skills when working with investment, distribution, and control functions.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Working knowledge of ADGM and CMA regulatory frameworks would be an advantage.
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA), or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.

About the Company

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) is a major financial institution headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bank provides financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions across the UAE and international markets, with a presence in more than 20 markets spanning five continents. FAB offers a range of banking, investment, and financial services, including asset management solutions. Through FAB Asset Management, the bank develops investment products and strategies designed to address client investment requirements and market opportunities. FAB supports employee learning, professional development, and Emiratisation programmes. The bank also contributes to education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through its partnerships and community initiatives. FAB promotes an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives and professional contributions. In December 2021, the bank became the first UAE and GCC bank to join the Net Zero Banking Alliance, committing to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.