POSITION PURPOSE

Triple mission (from upstream to downstream):

• Based on market research by Global Product and input from Investment /  Japan Sales, help develop product designs with the right attributes to win in the market, while being aligned with the firm’s core values and priorities and operational/regulatory constraints.
• In cooperation with internal stakeholders, lead TRP Japan’s product lifecycle (launch, enhancements, maintenance and termination) of investment vehicles for the Japanese market, in consistency with pre-agreed product attributes and timelines.
• Support TRPJ’s product governance framework (preparation / collection / review of materials, organization of committees and ongoing monitoring of regulatory developments).

Principal Responsibilities

Product Design

Unbiased product assessment:

(Objective) provide investment and sales with an objective assessment of the marketability in Japan of specific existing strategies or new product ideas. Analyzes weaknesses or gaps in product suite and identifies potential opportunities.

(How) based on the monitoring of market developments and in collaboration with “asset class product managers”, identify reasons behind success / failures of competing products, identify winning specs (guidelines and positioning, naming, fees, pay-out, target clients) and evaluate market / revenue potential.

Building consensus around product design and fees.

(Objective) harmonize input/goals from Investment and Global Distribution, ensuring client and firm’s objectives are met, while also providing Product’s independent perspective.

(How) identify, based on the product assessment, a common acceptable ground to build / upgrade a product with winning attributes.

Lead TRP Japan’s product lifecycle, in cooperation with internal stakeholders (Tokyo Operations, Legal, Compliance and Marketing).

Product Lifecycle Project Management: assist with product launches & termination against the timeline agreed with internal stakeholders and the client and suggest corrective action whenever necessary, as well as ensure the maintenance / enhancement (if required) of the existing product line-up.

New product term sheet:

(Objective) ensure internal / external stakeholders are on the same page when designing new products.

(How) formulating project meeting with internal stakeholders and sales team, maintain an inventory summarizing key technical features of new products under discussion between client / TRP (investment objectives, fees, costs, dividend distribution, share classes required, …) to ensure consistency with stakeholders outside of the region.

Product changes:

(Objective) assess the commercial value and feasibility of changes to existing products (either requested by Global Distribution, head-office or regulatory changes).

How: Work with Investments/Product/other internal stakeholders on suggested changes in features (policy, guidelines, distribution pay-out, naming)

ITM Fund Governance Committee:

(Objective) ensure Japanese ITM governance committee (i.e. IFGC) approves Japan product initiatives.

(How) create/coordinate a broad range of materials and provide all the necessary information for the

Product to successfully and on a timely basis obtain approval.

Transition to a broader Product Governance Committee: assess the scope and feasibility of additional governance requirements and participate in the development and implementation of the enhanced governance framework

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES / SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• College degree and at least 3-5 years related work experience in Japan in an investment firm and Product related function.
• Outstanding analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative
• Ability to think strategically and creatively
• Self-motivated, creative, responsible, with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Superior PowerPoint and Excel skills
• Experience communicating financial matters
• Prior research and project management experience
• Discipline to manage large volumes of projects versus tight deadlines
• Software and Database skills
• Fluent Japanese and Business level English
• Excellent business / regulatory understanding of the Japanese retail / institutional framework (onshore as well as offshore funds).
• Understanding of operational infrastructure related to mutual funds

Preferred:

• CFA or CMA or similar qualification

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

At T. Rowe Price, our associates are our greatest asset. We thrive because our company culture is built on inclusion and because we sustain a work environment where associates can bring their best selves to work every day. The backgrounds, talents, and experiences of our global associates allow us to embrace new ideas and perspectives that move our business priorities forward and enable us to deliver strong client outcomes. Here, you can expect equal opportunity and fair and consistent treatment for all. 

T. Rowe Price is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity of thought, gender, and race. We believe our continued success depends upon the equal treatment of all associates and applicants for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, creed, colour, national origin, sex, gender, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, military or veteran status, pregnancy, or any other classification protected by country, federal, state, or local law.