At Franklin Templeton, we’re driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients’ achievements.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced VP, Senior Product Specialist to join the Franklin Templeton Fixed Income (FTFI) team. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income is an investment advisory unit of Franklin Templeton Investments managing a comprehensive, diverse range of single- and multi-sector fixed income investment strategies. FTFI brings together multiple sources of fixed income expertise across a global platform, with over 50 years of investment experience across different market environments, 180+ dedicated investment professionals based around the world, and over $215 billion in global fixed income assets under management. The group is based in San Mateo, Boston, London, New York, Chicago and Singapore, along with regional fixed income teams in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Mexico, U.A.E., Poland, Saudi Arabia and India. We believe a disciplined and consistent approach to active fixed income management integrating top-down macroeconomic views, bottom-up fundamental research and rigorous portfolio construction allows us to pursue diversified sources of potential alpha and helps us deliver attractive and consistent risk-adjusted returns across all markets and market environments.

The FTFI Product Strategy team sits within the investment team and is responsible for ensuring that FTFI’s investment products are positioned at the highest levels of investment market standards, and that this is effectively communicated internally and externally. The Product Specialist will act as a liaison between investment management, distribution, and our other internal business partners. In this capacity, the Product Specialist is expected to serve as a product expert and product champion for several Municipal Bond strategies.

The VP, Senior Product Specialist is responsible for the promotion, defense, and competitive positioning of the Municipal Bond product line, and is actively involved in global distribution initiatives, as well as institutional and retail client service. Key success metrics include demonstrating ownership, strategic direction-setting, and prioritization for the assigned investment strategies. In concert with these efforts, an important function is content development, working with internal parties to ensure accurate and compelling representation of the investment strategies under coverage, working closely with the investment team in support of key initiatives and ad hoc projects. The day-to-day role of a Product Specialist is a fluid one, with the immediate needs of the products generally dictating what must be the required focus. The Product Specialist works with senior business development professionals to promote and competitively position these strategies through active involvement in distribution initiatives across retail and institutional channels as well as in support of existing client relationships. The Product Specialist also interacts with senior investment management to provide insight and counsel to drive business decisions.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of a Senior Product Specialist?

Be the product expert and product champion for the Municipal Bond asset class and Franklin Templeton Fixed Income investment platform with excellent knowledge of the investment management business and investment products.

Design and implement product strategy for the Municipal Bond platform, including but not limited to defining the roadmap for products throughout their lifecycles, identifying target markets and promotional strategy, creating growth plans to address existing and future opportunities, and tracking key performance indicators.

Promote, defend and competitively position the Municipal Bond product line. Serve as the primary subject matter expert (SME) of the investment-related aspects of Franklin’s Municipal Bond strategies to effectively and efficiently answer client servicing questions, articulate investment team views, and respond to performance and other investment-related inquiries on assigned investment strategies.

Assist in the gathering and retention of assets under management through the development of strategic messaging for use with a wide range of internal (sales, client service, marketing, and consultant relations) and external (potential and existing clients, consultants and third parties) audiences.

Perform portfolio and market analysis to enhance storytelling/messaging in support of business development and client servicing efforts.

Update and deliver monthly and quarterly performance data to internal business partners.

Liaise with product marketing team to communicate updates and develop new content for standard and ad hoc client presentation materials.

Partner with investment writers to develop thought leadership/white paper content for a range of client groups.

Develop investment related insight for use in investment communications including RFPs, DDQs, pre-sale and post-sale marketing collateral and corporate communications. 

Partner with internal product strategy teams to reposition, extend and innovate the FTFI product line including product rationalization, launching new strategies, and executing product line extensions. This includes development of investment guidelines and pricing frameworks.

Assess new product and business opportunities (customized separate accounts, sub-advised products, and new funds).

Support Head of Product Strategy in related projects tied to broader platform or corporate initiatives and ad hoc projects.

What ideal qualifications, skills & experience would help someone to be successful?

Minimum of 10+ years of product management or other pertinent industry experience, preferably with a focus on investment management, management consulting, business analysis, pension fund, endowment, foundation, due diligence, or sell-side experience.

Experience with and specialized knowledge of fixed income markets and strategies.

Comprehensive understanding of investment and portfolio management processes.

Demonstrated knowledge of distribution channels, investment vehicles and pricing structures.

Deep understanding of industry developments, market trends, products & techniques.

Strong analytical skills, with ability to translate complex portfolio data (such as performance attribution reports or other analytics) into client-friendly content.

Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to adhere to schedules, handle multi-tasking, and manage project flow with a meticulous mind under deadline pressure.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a global team and multiple stakeholders.

Motivated and proactive self-starter who can deal with changing requirements in a fast-paced environment and has the ability to creatively implement tactical initiatives. Strong ability to work independently and autonomously.

A team player with excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, excellent time management and efficiency skills, and ability to effectively communicate with senior professionals.

Exemplary verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.

High proficiency in business desktop applications, including Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Ideal candidates would be knowledgeable in Morningstar Direct and eVestment. Python and database development strongly desired but not required.

CFA and/or MBA/graduate degree in finance or economics, or progress toward attaining, preferred.

FINRA Series 7, Series 63

Compensation Range: Along with base compensation, other compensation is offered such as a discretionary bonus, 401k plan, health insurance, and other perks. There are several factors taken into consideration in making compensation decisions including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At Franklin Templeton, we apply a total reward philosophy where all aspects of compensation and benefits are taken into consideration in determining compensation. The salary, benefits and variable rewards will reflect the seniority of the position and a competitive market rate. We expect the salary for this position to range between $160,000 to $240,000.

When applying, please be sure to attach your resume / CV. Applications without a resume file attachment will not be reviewed.

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Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!

Our culture is shaped by our diverse global workforce and strongly held core values. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.

Hear more from our employees

By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have your needs covered. Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton.

Highlights of our benefits include:

Three weeks paid time off the first year

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with a generous company match on your pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, up to the IRS limits

Employee Stock Investment Program

Reimbursement for certain education expenses 

Purchase of company funds with no sales charge

Onsite fitness center and recreation center*

Onsite cafeteria*

*Only applicable at certain locations

Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. 
 
Franklin Templeton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. If you believe that you need an accommodation or adjustment to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation or adjustment you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.