Product Manager, Exchange Traded Products (ETP) at Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group)

About the Job

• The ETP Product Manager will lead and guide the review /creation of ETP frameworks for the scope of work, proposals, and research and business cases. 
• He/she will oversee all functions pertaining to the ETP product line with the overall goal of ensuring that ETPs are appropriately priced, positioned, promoted, and supported in a way that will increase order flow as measured by a number of transactions, trading volume and value in line with the overall goals of the product management department, and will have responsibility for margins made on the ETP Product line.
• The Product Manager will also become the “Product Advocate” by proactively disseminating related information while communicating the product message. 
• He/she is expected to stay abreast of the competitive landscape and industry trends (utilising internal and external data/information resources) to create a competitive platform that enables stakeholders to realise their investment objectives. 
• The Product Manager will own and drive the ETP product line and ensure the success of these programmes by developing and maintaining relationships with ETP market participants and relevant external and internal stakeholders. 
• He/she will obtain and maintain knowledge of the ETP client business. Set up and attend stakeholder visits and conduct stakeholder presentations.
• The position is situated in Nigeria with a global focus to cover both local and international buy and sell-side participants. This position reports to the Head, Product Development.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with fund experts to consistently develop and manage an array of offerings under ETP product line to meet the needs of the investing community and assimilate market feedback into new product development and positioning of existing ETPs.
• Define the NGX Exchange’s growth strategy and execution plan for the ETP product line to drive product sales & profitability.
• Perform data analysis, such as trend and behaviour analysis related to the financial services industry and ETPs product development in general whilst using the outcome of analysis and research, underpin recommendations for creating, developing, maintaining, and enhancing NGX ETPs Market product.
• Responsible for the design and implementation of new ETP Product initiatives: Draft relevant documentation, perform analysis, research, and carry out appropriate planning with cross-market collaboration in mind, when relevant.
• Coordinate activities of ETP liquidity providers to appropriate their functions in promoting liquidity and market efficiency.
• Enhance the market microstructure (in areas such as transaction fees, and index licensing fees) to increase product profitability.
• Advocate transparency of ETPs listed on NGX Exchange by ensuring they observe documentation requirements in terms of structure, exposures, and fair value at all times.
• Liaise with index providers covering the Nigerian market or NGX index committee to ensure the providers meet a strong market demand for new and innovative indices to support ETPs across the asset class.
• Responsible for performance i.e. turnover & margins of ETP trading on NGX Exchange.
• Liaise with the Market Operations and Technology Division to ensure system compatibility with market structure enhancements in support of the ETP product line and other business partners as necessary.
• Create, review and amend ETP trading rules as necessary, to promote fair and orderly trading in ETP.
• Manage key relationships with other stakeholders, Broker-Dealers, Market Makers, Institutional Investors (PFAs, CPFAs, Insurance companies, managed funds, portfolio managers, etc.), and other trading participants locally and internationally.
• Develop and maintain a broad knowledge and awareness of trading industry developments, competitors, and regulator rules that impact ETP trading.
• Proactively disseminate investment and product resources to other areas of the organisation in order to educate and train Internal/External stakeholders on Product attributes and new initiatives.
• Coordinate and operate investor education in partnership with other stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities:

• Understand drivers of ETPs order flow to NGX Exchange.
• Coordinate and partner with the other product development team members in conjunction with other stakeholders, to design and price products, identify and address key issues that must be resolved before a successful product launch occurs.
• Serve as gatekeeper, ambassador, and product line expert to internal/external parties.
• Analyse new product ideas in conjunction with institutional/wholesale distribution and marketing firms to determine success potentials and uniqueness within the industry.
• Monitor/interpret product pricing trends and recommend appropriate strategies.
• Understand product profitability goals and provide inputs to appropriate financial areas.
• Assist in driving the development process once a new product has been approved by all functional areas.
• Provide insight and assist the Listing Sales and Retention team in marketing on an ongoing and proactive basis with respect to product positioning and communication strategies.
• Continuously monitor industry trends and the competitive environment; recommend initiatives to strengthen market position.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations for ExCo and other key stakeholders.
• P & L responsibilities for ETP and Index products.

Job Specification
To successfully deliver the above goals, the right candidate must have:

• A First Degree in Quantitative or Business-related areas.
• A post-graduate degree (MSc or MBA) or professional certification and licenses (e.g. CIS, CFA, will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years post-NYSC experience in the financial services industry or an investment product management/marketing role, distribution-related role.

Desired Competencies and Skill Requirements:

• Expertise in ETP creation and investment strategies and ability to research market events that affect ETPs.
• In-depth technical understanding of product features, market structure, and regulations that impact ETPs.
• Relevant experience in trading, sale-trading, and sales.
• Solid knowledge of electronic trading, algorithmic trading, or high-frequency trading.
• Good understanding of market quality statistics and best execution principles.
• Knowledge of order flow drivers and the ecosystem around the entire order life cycle.

Generic Skills:

• Good working knowledge of the asset allocation process, risk management, and leveraging strategies as they relate to the client investment experience.
• Experience with multiple investment products and asset classes with specific expertise in ETPs.
• Knowledge of the mutual fund, retirement funds, and investment management business.
• Good working knowledge of institutional and wholesale distribution channels.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Reuters & Bloomberg platforms.
• Strong leadership qualities as well as the ability to be a team player.
• Strategic planning and analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management and multi-tasking abilities.
• Ability to function in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Thoroughness, attention to detail with a high sense of purpose.
• Ability to see the “big picture” from marketing, positioning, and industry perspective.
• Engenders trust and is a reliable resource to internal customers.