Head of Product Lifecycle - UK

This role can be based in any of Waystone's UK Offices: Exeter, London or Leeds. 

The Head of Product Lifecycle will provide a data driven governance framework to assist Waystone Management senior management and the WMUK board to fulfil its regulatory product governance responsibilities. The role has a specific responsibility for directing and controlling elements of the WMUK product governance framework, including but not limited to the Value Assessment Framework and annual fund reviews, to ensure that WMUK continues to meet the highest regulatory requirements. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• To coordinate the operation of WMUK’s product lifecycle activities, including but not limited to its Value Assessment and annual fund review frameworks, and to ensure that all downstream data collection and execution is of the expected standard.
• To play a leading role on the successful operation of the ACD’s governance forums and committees, act as Chair of certain committees where required and be an active Member of the Operational Governance Committee (OGC) and Value Assessment Committee (VAC). To liaise closely with the Company's Compliance representative(s) to assist in ensuring the Company's full compliance with FCA regulations as well as any other relevant Regulations applicable to and governing the Employer's activities. 
• Management of relevant processes, policies and procedures. 

• Work in partnership with fellow senior managers, Product Development, Compliance, Investment Risk, Enterprise Risk, Oversight Teams and other senior stakeholders within Waystone Group to ensure appropriate escalation of issues, common understanding of specialist matters and effective use of resource. 

• Assist, where applicable, in the design and launch of new products. 
• Analyse where efficiencies may be achieved across product governance oversight tasks and actively question methods and processes with the aim of making the team more effective and efficient. 
• Liaise with and work in partnership with external stakeholders including the FCA, depositaries, external legal firms and our delegated investment managers. 

• Supporting the business with product governance queries throughout the product lifecycle. 

• Embedding relevant elements of the product governance framework within BAU activities. 

• To work with the ACD and RFS management team and/or other personnel as required on any operational or other matter (including special projects) as might be directed from time to time.

Experience: 

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the ACD business and be prepared to build strong partnerships across the Waystone Group. 

• Background in conducting Value Assessment reviews and producing Value Assessment statements. 

• Strong product governance/management or development experience in asset management. 

• Significant relevant industry experience and supervisory or management experience 

• Knowledge of Product Governance regulatory requirements and best practice 

• Strong understanding of investment products 

• Proven knowledge of the regulatory environment and authorised funds, including UCITS, AIFMD, COBS, COLL, PROD 

• Knowledge of compliance / regulatory best practice 

• Prioritise effectively to achieve business goals, considering time, resources and quality constraints. 

• Effectively deliver complex messages to a wide variety of audiences. 
• Demonstrate a focus on continuous improvement and hold themselves and others to high standards.