Transition Management Client Strategist, Transition Client Solutions

About this role

BlackRock is a world-class provider of global investment management, risk management and advisory services to institutional, intermediary and individual investors. BlackRock offers a range of solutions — from meticulous fundamental and quantitative active management approaches aimed at increasing outperformance to highly efficient indexing strategies designed to gain broad exposure to the world’s capital markets. Our clients can access our investment solutions through a variety of product structures, including individual and institutional separate accounts, mutual funds and other pooled investment vehicles, and the industry-leading iShares® ETFs.

BlackRock’s Transition Management team helps institutional clients restructure their investment portfolios, acting as a bridge between their existing and desired allocations.

A transition can be anything from a manager change to a full-scale plan merger. We deliver a modern approach to project management, portfolio risk management and trade execution to help clients reduce costs and minimise risk during periods of significant portfolio turnover. We deliver the best of BlackRock’s expertise in risk management, trading and technology directly to clients.

Our team runs more than 200 transitions a year from offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore with a focus on large multi-asset portfolio restructures. We have over 50 transition professionals globally and offer one of the industry's most comprehensive transition management platforms. Our clients include central banks, sovereign wealth funds, public pension plans, corporate retirement plans and other institutional investors.

Role and Responsibilities:

Overview: We are looking for a Transition Strategist to join our APAC Transition Management Team, based in Tokyo. In this role, you will support the implementation of client transitions across the Asia Pacific, working closely with the Transition Portfolio Manager and other senior team members. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in business development, project structuring, and the delivery of client transition projects. You will play a crucial role in maintaining a high standard of client care, assisting with planning, coordination, and execution, while developing the skills needed for direct client responsibilities.

Client Strategy

• Support client engagement efforts across the Asia Pacific, assisting in relationship-building activities and helping to generate new and repeat business.

• Assist in developing and maintaining client relationships, working alongside senior team members to establish engagement plans aligned with commercial goals.

• Support preparation for client pitches by gathering relevant materials, tracking opportunities, and ensuring internal stakeholders are kept informed.

• Participate in client meetings and pitches as part of the team, gaining experience in presenting and engaging in consultative discussions.

• Collaborate with BlackRock’s client-facing teams, contributing to a cohesive and solutions-oriented experience for clients.

• Assist with responding to RFPs and other client inquiries, promoting the team’s transition capabilities and strategic initiatives.

• Stay informed on trading mechanisms and risk tools, including delta one instruments and liquidity options, to support continuous improvement of team offerings.

• Work with the transition portfolio manager to provide analytical and qualitative input into trade strategy design, assisting with data collection and analysis as needed.

Project Management

• Support the planning and coordination of transition projects for clients across the Asia Pacific, working closely with senior team members to ensure smooth project execution.

• Assist with stakeholder engagement by coordinating communication and helping to track project deliverables.

• Help identify and document risks and costs in collaboration with senior team members, contributing to the project’s risk management efforts.

• Contribute to operating plans by tracking project milestones, exposures, and operational details.

• Foster positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, supporting open and transparent communication throughout each transition.

• Assist with client updates on project progress, preparing summaries and reports as requested.

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Education: Degree or higher-level education, preferably in a quantitative field. CFA designation is a plus.

• Experience: Minimum 3 years in capital markets, finance, or a related field, with exposure to portfolio management, trading, transition management and / or technical sell-side sales or related fields. Familiarity with the Japan client landscape is a plus.

• Foundational Knowledge: Basic understanding of capital markets, financial instruments, portfolio management, and / or multi-asset allocation concepts.

• Analytical Skills: Strong quantitative skills, with the ability to analyse transaction costs, assess portfolio risk, and contribute to trade strategy development.

• Client-Focused: Excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to engage with clients and team members collaboratively.

• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an aptitude for breaking down complex ideas for diverse audiences.  Strong English and Japanese language skills.  Asian language skills is a plus.

• Project Management: Basic project coordination skills, with the motivation to learn and develop effective project management practices.

• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Excel, with an eagerness to learn new tools and technologies that support process improvement.

• Personal Qualities: High energy, curiosity, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset, with attention to detail and a readiness to embrace growth and learning opportunities.

Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.