Associate, Investment Solutions/Portfolio Consulting

About this roleAbout this role  Your group Investment & Portfolio Solutions (IPS) is a key part of BlackRock’s Global Product Solutions. We partner with clients across EMEA, from Wealth and Asset Managers to Pension Funds and Insurance Companies across the spectrum of their whole portfolio needs. For clients who manage their own portfolios, the group provides market and portfolio insights to help support decisions around asset allocation, portfolio construction and implementation. For clients looking to outsource portfolio management, the group supports the development and delivery of Model Portfolio Solutions across the region.  Your team The EMEA Portfolio Consulting team works closely with clients to help them achieve their desired portfolio outcomes using the full range of BlackRock products and solutions across both liquid and illiquid investment vehicles. Our team is made up of experts in portfolio construction and financial markets that are powered by BlackRock’s Risk Platform, Aladdin®. The team assists investors in understanding the risks and unique characteristics of their existing portfolios and delivers portfolio insights designed to help clients make better investment decisions and build stronger and more resilient portfolios over time. Additionally, we collaborate with clients to develop new investment strategies and solutions.  Alongside bespoke client consulting work, the team also contributes to broader portfolio insight generation across EMEA. This includes supporting scalable content, thematic research and portfolio insights used across commercial campaigns, product innovation discussions and strategic initiatives across both Wealth and Institutional channels.  Team accomplishments are celebrated collectively and the success of the broader team is prioritised above individual recognition. We value collaboration, intellectual curiosity and a strong team first culture, where individuals are encouraged to support one another, share ideas openly and contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities. The team operates in a highly collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, contributions are recognised and colleagues are empowered to learn from one another and grow together.  Your role and impact  Seeking an enthusiastic and quantitatively minded Portfolio Strategist, the team is looking for an Associate to join the IPS Consulting Team in London. The successful candidate will work closely with Senior Portfolio Strategists to analyse and consult on client investment propositions while also contributing to broader portfolio insights and commercial initiatives across the business.  The role is predominantly focused on portfolio analysis and portfolio construction, while also supporting insight generation and thematic research across the platform. The successful candidate should have a demonstrable ability to articulate technical concepts clearly and be comfortable presenting to stakeholders.  Situated in a fast paced environment, this role will give significant exposure to both BlackRock’s client and investment businesses as well as a fantastic platform to learn about portfolio analytics, construction techniques and investment strategy. The successful candidate should be comfortable stepping up to engage directly with clients and contributing more broadly to insight generation across the platform.  Your responsibilities  Work with the Consulting and Sales teams to evaluate, evolve or construct portfolios tailored to each individual client while running portfolio analytics and interpreting results within the context of market conditions and client objectives. Support the generation of scalable portfolio insights, thematic research and investment content for internal and external stakeholders, including materials used across commercial campaigns and strategic initiatives. Stay up to date with the latest macroeconomic developments and investment management industry trends. Partner with multiple teams across the organisation including Investment Strategy, BlackRock Investment Institute and Product teams in the execution of joint research and insight generation work. Analyse portfolio and market trends to help identify commercial opportunities, investment themes and areas of strategic focus. Understand the business to devise both short term and long term innovations across technology and business Work closely with the in business technology group to help enhance the technology platform and improve the scalability of portfolio analytics and insight generation.   We are looking for candidates who bring:  Strong understanding of financial markets, including drivers of return, risk and portfolio construction techniques. Relevant experience at associate level (typically 3–5 years) in an analytical, research, strategy or consulting role, with experience working with or analysing portfolios and using data to generate clear, actionable insight. Ability to interpret quantitative analysis and communicate technical concepts in a clear and commercially relevant manner. Flexible and open to accepting new challenges with the ability to work effectively across multiple projects in a dynamic and evolving environment while maintaining strong attention to detail. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative mindset and strong team first approach. The successful candidate should be a supportive teammate who contributes positively to team culture and works effectively across a broad range of stakeholders. Exposure to financial data platforms such as Aladdin, Bloomberg, Morningstar or FactSet, or experience working with similar analytical tools.  Additionally, you may bring:  Prior experience with risk management or portfolio construction systems such as Barra, Axioma or Aladdin. Strong understanding of investment management data and experience accessing and analysing data to support research and portfolio insights. Prior experience in macroeconomics,