The Investment Solutions Vice-Presidency aims to be recognized as a partner of choice in investment solutions, particularly in responsible investing, among members, clients, and advisors. It also contributes to making Desjardins the leading wealth management institution for its members and clients by offering relevant and high-performing investment solutions. The Investment Solutions Development and Management Department is responsible for developing the full range of investment solutions and actively managing their commercial performance, with a strong emphasis on responsible investing. It oversees the investment solutions offering across all Desjardins distribution networks, including the caisse network, specialized networks, Desjardins partners, and external distribution channels. Its investment solutions offering includes all types of investment funds, as well as an expanded range of structured and guaranteed products. As an Investment Fund Product Specialist, you are responsible for managing mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and private funds, as well as overseeing their commercial performance. You play a leadership and influencing role with internal and external partners to optimize relative performance, distribution, and product understanding. The Product Specialist serves as a central source of knowledge and expertise for all investment strategies used within mutual funds and ETFs and plays a key role in the growth and development of Desjardins Investment Solutions. The Product Specialist’s primary responsibilities include analyzing the performance of investment strategies and solutions, delivering presentations on products and investment strategies, and supporting business development activities. You also contribute to the development and recommendation of strategic directions and business positions. More specifically, this role requires strong market knowledge related to retail investors across all asset classes (equities, fixed income, liquid alternatives, and private investments), as well as an in-depth understanding of retail investors’ investment needs. More specifically, you will be required to:

• Take a leadership role in managing the commercial performance of mutual funds and ETFs (i.e., fund performance relative to peer groups)
• Ensure that products are properly positioned internally (marketing, sales) and externally (advisors, members, and clients), and that the product business strategy is effectively implemented
• Develop short- and long-term strategic business plans for all funds under your responsibility
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of portfolio managers’ investment philosophy, processes, and performance
• Maintain close relationships with portfolio management teams
• Identify performance drivers, positioning, and forward-looking outlooks
• Become a subject matter expert on competitive offerings within your area of responsibility by implementing rigorous competitive monitoring and developing effective analytical tools, while leveraging this expertise to support business development. Maintain a list of key competitors for each mutual fund and ETF under your responsibility
• Continuously monitor portfolio manager performance relative to industry peers (commercial performance) and make recommendations to improve results. Work closely with the manager selection team regarding new manager appointments or manager change
• Collaborate closely with sales teams to understand the needs of various distribution channels and financial advisors, including national accounts
• Train sales teams and provide ongoing support
• Deliver product presentations to sales teams and collaborate, when required, on advisor presentations across various distribution channels
• Participate in the development of business and commercialization plans for new product launches
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners, including product development, manager selection, sales, and marketing teams
• Deliver presentations at industry conferences and events
• Maintain an external professional network and represent the business unit on committees and industry working groups within the Canadian investment fund industry

What we offer*

• Competitive salary and annual bonus
• 4 weeks of flexible vacation starting in the first year
• Defined benefit pension plan that provides predictable, stable income throughout retirement
• Group insurance including telemedicine
• Reimbursement of health and wellness expenses and telework equipment

* Benefits apply based on eligibility criteria.

#LI-Hybrid

What you bring to the table

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• A minimum of eight years of relevant experience
• Please note that other combinations of qualifications and relevant experience may be considered
• Experience in a sales-focused role (retail advisory, wholesaling, or other relevant experience)
• CFA designation or progress toward obtaining the designation
• Knowledge of French is required
• Expert proficiency of English due to the nature of the duties or work tools or because the position involves interactions with English-speaking partners, members and/or clients
• Strong Knowledge of financial products and the investment industry, particularly mutual funds and ETFs

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility

At Desjardins, we believe in equity, diversity and inclusion. We're committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. At Desjardins, we have zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind. We believe our teams should reflect the diversity of the members, clients and communities we serve.

If there's something we can do to help make the recruitment process or the job you're applying for more accessible, let us know. We can provide accommodations at any stage in the recruitment process. Just ask!

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