Head Of Investment Products
Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Our focus is on fostering an enriching journey that empowers you to explore diverse career opportunities while nurturing your personal growth. We are committed to creating an environment where continuous learning and development are prioritized, enabling you to thrive both professionally and personally. Here, you will find ample opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented colleagues from around the world, sharing insights and driving innovation together. Join us at Santander, where you are supported by a culture of engagement and a commitment to your success. An exciting journey awaits, if you are interested in exploring the possibilities.
The Role
The Head of Investment Products is a senior executive responsible for leading the investment vision, philosophy, and strategy for the wealth management business. This role oversees asset allocation, investment research, portfolio construction, product due diligence, and advisor enablement. They are responsible for overseeing the design, development, governance, and lifecycle management of the firm's wealth management product platform. This includes investment products (e.g., mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs, alternatives), advisory programs (e.g., model portfolios, UMAs), and planning solutions (e.g., insurance, annuities, structured products). The CIO ensures that investment decisions align with client goals, firm risk standards, and fiduciary responsibilities, while delivering thought leadership and supporting scalable, customized client solutions.
Investment Strategy & Asset Allocation
- Define and communicate the firm's long-term investment philosophy and strategic / tactical asset allocation frameworks.
- Develop capital market assumptions, investment outlooks, and risk-return models.
- Lead portfolio construction guidelines for different client risk profiles and investment objectives.
- Oversee the development of model portfolios, unified managed accounts (UMAs), and customized portfolio solutions.
- Define and execute the firm's product strategy to support business growth and advisor / client needs.
- Identify product gaps and opportunities based on market trends, client demand, and competitive analysis.
- Lead the development and launch of new investment and advisory products and solutions.
- Continuously assess and refine the existing product platform to improve quality, efficiency, and profitability.
Research & Thought Leadership
Direct macroeconomic and market research to inform investment strategy.Publish regular investment commentary, white papers, and market outlooks for clients and advisors.Serve as a public spokesperson on investment issues via media appearances, panels, or client events.Identify emerging trends across traditional and alternative asset classes.Investment Product Oversight
Supervise due diligence on third-party investment products (ETFs, mutual funds, SMAs, private equity, alternatives, etc.).Serve on the COI / FIDO committee.Maintain an approved investment product platform aligned with performance, cost, and suitability standards.Ensure rigorous qualitative and quantitative evaluation of managers and strategies.Market & Competitive Intelligence
Monitor industry trends, competitor product offerings, regulatory changes, and client behavior.Use data analytics and feedback loops to guide product enhancements and innovation.Evaluate third-party product providers and strategic partnerships.Risk Governance & Compliance
Ensure investment strategies comply with applicable regulations and firm policies.Coordinate with legal, compliance, and risk teams to manage investment-related risks.Establish controls and governance over investment process, product shelf, and platform architecture.Manage internal and external audit processes for investment activities.Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field; MBA, CFA, or equivalent advanced degree / certification preferred.12+ years of experience in investment strategy, portfolio management, or wealth management leadership.Proven ability to lead an investment platform or CIO function at a large wealth management firm, private bank, or RIA.Strong understanding of capital markets, investment solutions across asset classes, and high-net-worth client needs.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; public speaking experience is a plus.Deep understanding of behavioral finance, client segmentation, and financial planning integration.Proficiency with investment analytics platforms (e.g., Morningstar Direct, Bloomberg, FactSet).Experience supporting advisor-led and / or discretionary portfolio management models.Preferred Qualifications
FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 licenses.Series 65 or 66 preferred.Experience in Microsoft Office products.Compensation
The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.
Base Pay Range Minimum : $120,000.00 USD Maximum : $205,000.00 USD
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.