Director, Platform & Strategy - ETF Platform

Location: Tokyo, Japan

About this role

Your Team

The ETF Platform team sits within BlackRock Global Markets & Index Investments (BGM), which brings together Index Investments, Markets, Liquidity & Financing, and Platform & Strategy. BGM delivers differentiated market access and investment outcomes by combining deep investment expertise, market insight, risk management capabilities, and platform innovation at scale.

As part of this organization, the ETF Platform team is responsible for the design, evolution, and scalability of BlackRock's ETF operating model across the ETF value chain. The team partners closely with investment, markets, product, technology, risk, legal, compliance, and operations functions to drive product innovation, modernize market infrastructure, and strengthen BlackRock's position as the market leader in ETFs.

Your Role and Impact

This is a leadership role within the ETF Platform team, responsible for leading the Japan ETF Platform team, defining and executing the strategic vision for BlackRock’s Japan ETF platform in support of continued product innovation, market leadership, and commercial growth.

This individual will play a critical role in shaping the future of ETFs by driving platform innovation, advancing ETF structures and primary-market capabilities and strengthening ecosystem connectivity.

Your Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Platform Ownership

• Define and lead the long-term vision and roadmap for the Japan ETF platform, aligning with BlackRock’s global ETF growth strategy
• Oversee the evolution and re-architecture of the ETF platform to support scale, complexity, and regulatory requirements
• Drive innovation in ETF structures, instruments, and operating models to expand the ETF wrapper

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professionals, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and innovative culture

Set clear priorities and accountability frameworks to ensure consistent execution against strategic objectives

Senior Stakeholder Management

• Act as a senior interface across investment teams, trading, product, technology, risk, and operations
• Influence and align executive stakeholders to drive complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Represent BlackRock externally with Authorized Participants (APs), market makers, exchanges, regulators, and industry groups as well as attending and speaking at conferences
• Engage with clients to provide ETF expertise and support commercial opportunities

Platform Innovation & Market Structure Development

• Design and implement scalable ETF operating models supporting new strategies and asset classes
• Lead the development of primary market structures to enhance liquidity, investor protection, and efficiency
• Drive ecosystem enhancements ensuring effective participation from APs, market makers, and other key stakeholders

Risk Management & Governance

Embed robust risk management frameworks across the ETF lifecycle, anticipating future market and regulatory developments

Ensure platform resilience, scalability, and compliance with evolving regulatory standards

Execution & Delivery Excellence

Lead large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives with disciplined execution and measurable outcomes

Leverage data and technology to inform decision-making and optimize platform performance

Your Experience

• 10+ years of experience across ETFs, investment management, trading, market structure, or related financial services disciplines.
• Deep understanding of ETF mechanics, primary and secondary markets, fund structures, liquidity dynamics, and ecosystem participants.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering large-scale platform, operating model, or market transformation initiatives.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across complex, matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into practical execution while balancing commercial objectives, operational requirements, and risk considerations.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks, governance practices, and risk management principles applicable to ETF businesses and capital markets.
• Exceptional communication, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement skills across both internal and external audiences.

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.

Guidance on AI use for candidates

At BlackRock, AI has long been part of how we work – enhancing decision-making, improving operations, and helping us deliver better outcomes for clients. We encourage candidates to use AI thoughtfully to learn, prepare, and work more effectively; but during our interview process, we want to focus on getting to know you through your own experiences, thinking, and judgment. To support you, we’ve provided guidance on when and how to use AI during our hiring process so you can approach each step with confidence and showcase your best self.

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.

To learn more about BlackRock, please visit Careers.BlackRock.com. We also encourage you to get to know us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

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.