Business Development Services Lead Specialist - Alternative

Who we're looking for

We are looking for a dynamic self-starter, with experience of working on Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs) and Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs) across the Alternatives asset class. An understanding of the relevant terminology and investment concepts is key. In completing these RFPs, RFIs and DDQs, you'll work in close collaboration with the Alternatives investment specialists, sales and client service teams located across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), to produce professional, customised high quality and timely proposals for prospective and existing clients.

You'll need to work in a structured and methodical way, with a high degree of independence, but as part of a team of experienced and dedicated Alternatives RFP writers. An ability to communicate clearly and succinctly (both orally and in writing) and to build good relationships with key stakeholders is also an important requirement. RFP writers focused on our alternative products work across range of investment strategies offered under the Schroders Capital brand, including real estate, private equity, secondaries, venture capital, infrastructure, securitised products and asset-based finance, insurance-linked securities and impact investing.

As part of the broader Business Development Services team's you will apply the team's processes and procedures. You'll be expected to demonstrate Schroders' Values: striving for Excellence; working with Innovation and Teamwork; having Passion and Integrity and a strong commitment to build on Schroders' profile, profitability and client base whilst liaising effectively with stakeholders across the business.

The successful candidate will have responsibility to pay due regard to the interests of our customers and treat them fairly, ensuring that the information provided to clients on products and services is clear and useful and enables them to understand fully what they are being offered. They are required to familiarise themselves fully with the team's current procedures, FCA compliance requirements, and the principles behind 'Treating Customers Fairly' and 'Conduct Risk'.

About Schroders

Schroders is a global investment manager, helping institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future. But as the world changes, so do our clients' needs. That's why we have a long history of adapting to suit the times and keeping our focus on what matters most to our clients.

We are responsible for over £750 billion* of assets for our clients who trust us to deliver sustainable returns. We have around 5,000 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.

*Source: Schroders, as at 31 March 2022. Includes assets managed by joint ventures and associates.

The base

The role is based in Schroders' head office, in the City of London. While the team works flexibly, the office environment gives you the opportunity to meet and get to know the broader team, and work closely with a broad range of functions, including Distribution, a number of investment teams, colleagues in Marketing, Legal and Compliance, Technology and more.

The team
Our experienced and dynamic UK-based RFP team is focused on supporting the EMEA business and our Global client relationships. The team has developed a strong reputation and is highly respected within the organisation for the support it provides to the business.

To allow individual writers to better understand our strategies and build strong relationships with the underlying investment teams, the Business Development Services (BDS) team is aligned in four sub groups; each with an asset class focus. Our Alternatives business is a strategic area of growth for Schroders and we are looking to recruit an RFP writer to support this area. The Alternatives team within BDS is currently comprised of three permanent individuals.

The BDS team operates as one collaborative unit, with senior members of the team all having broad product experience and the ability to provide support and guidance to others when needed. We adopt a clearly defined process but ideas on how this can be bettered are always welcome. There are regular opportunities to interact as a team and to share knowledge and experience.

Separate RFP teams in Asia and the US service their respective regions and we regularly discuss the latest market activity and share best practice across our teams.

What you'll do

• Produce high quality, client focused, accurate and compliant RFPs, RFIs, DDQs within the agreed timeframe and deliver a compelling submission.
• Assist in managing the entire proposal completion process; from identification and qualification to delivery of the submission.
• Work consistently, diligently and perform well under pressure. Maintain focus on delivering to a high standard in a rigorous and professional way.
• Be open and co-operative with colleagues and the broader team.
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication in your interaction with key stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Implement the team's best practice proposal process in each submission.
• Use our RFP database (Qvidian) as appropriate. Identify new or updated content to be loaded. Communicate this new content to the Content Platform Manager for upload.
• Contribute to helping the team in its quest for continual processes improvements.
• Demonstrate professional behaviours and a "can do attitude".
• Be motivated to achieve the best and expect the best from others in a cohesive team environment.
• Support colleagues within the broader RFP function where required.
• Record and file all materials in accordance with FCA requirements and team procedures.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

• Alternative asset classes experience. Additional general financial services or asset management industry experience is desirable.
• Experience in relation to Private Assets and Alternative products as well as an understanding of alternatives terminology is a requirement.
• Have sufficient confidence and knowledge to liaising with senior investment specialists, sales and client service.
• Be a strong team player, with the ability to mange multiple complex assignments effectively, use own initiative and a self-starter.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications that will help

• IMC (or equivalent). CAIA or CFA an advantage.
• Experience using Qvidian database (or equivalent).
• ESG knowledge in the context of asset management.
• Strong numeracy and literacy.
• Candidates should be educated to degree-level (or equivalent)
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams).

What you'll be like

• Team player.
• Efficient project management skills and well organised proactive approach.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Efficient and well-organised.
• Good interpersonal skills.

We're looking for the best, whoever they are

Schroders is an equal opportunities employer. You're welcome here whatever your socio-economic background, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious belief, age or disability.