Product Developer

Corporate Profile

We started in South Africa, in ’91. Back then, change was coming. Along with its challenges came the chance to invest in a better future. Our journey through that time taught us to recognise and embrace change and uncertainty. Change taught us to be bold. Resilient. Agile.

To believe that active investing can be a force for good.

Today, we manage R2.3 trillion for our clients globally. We still see the world from a different perspective. Whether it is the rise of the East or the rise of the machines, we’ll always seek to make the best of it. Best for our clients, best for our company, and the best for the world we live in. We are investing for a world of change.

We began as Investec Asset Management, a small start-up based in South Africa offering domestic investment strategies. In 2020, almost three decades of growth later, we de-merged from Investec Group to become Ninety One, an independent asset manager listed on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.

While our name may have changed, we’re still the same firm. We offer distinctive investment strategies spanning equities, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives and sustainability to help institutional investors, those advising others and individuals navigate an ever-changing world. All of our employees have the opportunity to own part of the firm. We also have our founding leadership in place. Our distinctive owner culture allows us to commit to building a long-term, inter-generational business. It supports a business fully aligned with our clients’ long-term investment objectives.

*as at 31 March 2020

Ninety One is an equal opportunities employer. Our imperative is to attract and retain the best talent by providing a corporate environment where people from varying backgrounds can develop professionally and build a rewarding career.

Job Overview

Our Product Development team operates as a global business unit, with team members based in both the London and Cape Town offices and interacts closely with Ninety One’s other teams around the world including the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. This role will be based in Cape Town, but with a global remit across Ninety One’s worldwide product suite and related activities.

This exciting role supports work on new product and investment strategy development, and management of existing products and strategies, across Ninety One’s global business. Our Products include a variety of investment strategies (e.g. Equity, Multi-Asset, Fixed Income, Alternatives) in multiple types of investment vehicles (e.g. SICAVs, Units Trusts, Hedge Funds) so the opportunity for growth is extensive.

Key Responsibilities

The role will evolve as you grow in experience and product knowledge and includes the following:

New Product Development:

You will be involved from idea generation to implementation including identifying client needs, researching and interpreting competitor offerings and market trends, product design and launching of new products.

Product Management:

This includes ongoing work to ensure our products and ranges evolve to meet client demands, regulatory changes and commercial requirements. You will be involved in supporting work on industry-level interaction (like ASISA), lobbying and peer group analysis as well as supporting various stakeholders, both internal and external.  

You will interact with individuals from all parts of the business including investment, operations, legal, client group, compliance and others. If you like variety, are able to problem solve, multi-task and build strong relationships, you will find this an exciting career in a fantastic company.

Candidate Requirements

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• Degree educated (preferably with a focus on Actuarial Science/Finance/Mathematics/Statistics/Economics)
• Minimum of 5 - 7 years of work experience in the investment industry
• Academic excellence
• A good understanding of the regulatory and wider compliance environment

System Skills:

• Strong Microsoft office including Excel, PowerPoint.
• Basic (R, Java, Python or similar) coding skills an advantage

Personal Attributes:

• Natural self-starter with a global mind-set and commitment to grow a business
• Able to show initiative and look for ways to improve existing processes.
• Problem solver and growth mindset
• Strong organisational, project and time management skills including an ability to multitask, prioritise and deliver on objectives
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, and able to interact with individuals at various levels
• Analytical approach and an ability to apply this commercially
• Build and maintain strong positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Must be prepared to challenge and stand up for their opinions.

Risk and Compliance Responsibilities

• Adhering to the Code of Ethics and related policies, including personal account dealing, gifts, market abuse, etc.
• Ensuring Compliance training, declarations and relevant forms are completed on a timely basis
• Ensuring that firm and client data and property, including IT data, are properly protected
• Reporting any possible and actual breaches, errors, complaints or conduct issues.
• Reporting any suspicion that a client, investor, or employee may be involved in money laundering, fraud or other crime such as market abuse