Technical Program and Relationship Manager, Director

About this role

About Us: The Strategic Architecture Initiatives Office (SAIO) is a centralized function within BlackRock's Aladdin platform organization. Our mission is to lead delivery of Aladdin's most critical and technically complex initiatives to advance key business priorities, enhance client delivery, and position BlackRock and Aladdin to deliver for future investor needs

Role Overview: As an SAIO Director, you will drive the execution of the most critical and complex programs, aligning them with Aladdin's business priorities and client needs to ensure high-impact outcomes. You are a transformational leader who brings strategic foresight and discipline in execution, thriving in ambiguity by anticipating risks and opportunities. You excel in stakeholder management and team development, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and innovation. You have a passion for continuous improvement and commit to building scalable, resilient solutions that empower teams to deliver at their best, thereby shaping the future of SAIO as a trusted advisor within the firm.

Key Responsibilities: We are looking for a senior program leader who can independently lead multiple complex, firm-wide initiatives. You should be able to drive programs from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and tangible business outcomes. You will be expected to manage senior stakeholders, facilitate collaboration across technical and business teams, and own the delivery and impact of strategic initiative.

Program Management:

• Lead multi-dimensional programs with firm-wide impact: Translate high-level business goals into actionable program roadmaps and outcomes aligned with BlackRock's growth objectives and client value. Establish clear deliverables, milestones, and KPIs to measure progress and inform decision-making.

• Anticipate risks and opportunities: Design scalable solutions to proactively surface and mitigate risks, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery across the program lifecycle. Adapt plans as needed to address emerging challenges or leverage new opportunities without compromising on results.

• Drive global implementations and change management: Provide leadership for large-scale, cross-functional initiatives across regions. Apply best practices in change management to ensure new processes and technologies are adopted smoothly, with minimal disruption to teams and clients. Bring clarity to ambiguity and maintain execution discipline in fast-paced, complex environments.

• Leverage Aladdin strategically: Utilize deep knowledge of the Aladdin platform to deliver innovative solutions and maximize impact. Partner with technology and product teams to harness Aladdin's capabilities for client and business outcomes, ensuring that programs strengthen Aladdin's value proposition within BlackRock and for our clients.

Communication:

• Inspire and develop teams: Build and mentor high-performing teams, developing future leaders through coaching and feedback. Foster an inclusive culture of accountability and innovation, where team members are empowered to take ownership and collaborate effectively.

• Stakeholder partnership and influence: Partner with senior stakeholders (business heads, technology leaders, etc.) to shape strategy and align program objectives with broader firm priorities. Influence key decision-making by communicating a clear vision and using data-driven insights to gain buy-in. Manage stakeholder expectations and keep all parties engaged and informed.

• Represent SAIO at scale: Act as an ambassador for SAIO across the firm and in external engagements. Clearly articulate program vision, progress, and outcomes in executive forums and client discussions. By demonstrating thought leadership and expertise, enhance SAIO's reputation and build trust with partners and clients as a go-to advisor for executing complex strategic initiatives.

Essential Qualifications / Experience:

• Experience: 10+ years in program/project management within financial services or a related technology field, with a proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from inception through delivery. Prior experience managing large-scale global implementations or transformation programs is required.

• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of software delivery lifecycle and change management. Hands-on experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies (e.g. Scrum, Kanban) and ability to tailor approach as appropriate. Familiarity with BlackRock's Aladdin platform or similar enterprise fintech systems is highly desirable, as is knowledge of investment management operations.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools such as Azure DevOps and MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel). Experience with project tracking and reporting tools (e.g. Smartsheet, Jira, Aha) is a plus. Ability to analyse data and metrics to drive decisions and report on program status.

• Leadership & Communication: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders, navigate organizational dynamics, and drive consensus. Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail as well as the capacity to see the "big picture" strategic context. A track record of building empowered, diverse teams and creating a positive, inclusive work environment.

Why Join Us: As a Director in SAIO, you will play a pivotal role in advancing BlackRock's Tech2030 strategy for Aladdin – leading transformational programs that unlock scale, improve interoperability, and reduce technical debt. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across Aladdin and the broader firm, gaining exposure to senior leadership and high-visibility projects. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of BlackRock's technology platform and deliver innovation that drives measurable impact for our business and clients. You will be at the forefront of change, empowering teams and influencing strategy, all while being part of a mission-driven group that is positioning BlackRock and Aladdin for the needs of tomorrow's investors

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: 

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.