Client Service Manager / Associate Client Service Manager - based in Tokyo, Japan

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

Support the APAC Client Services team in delivering seamless, end-to-end global experience to APAC Institutional and Intermediary clients; assist in all client service-related activities from on-boarding of clients to routine business maintenance, documentation, reports and resolving client queries and operations issues.

This person is expected to be a self-starter, motivated team player, well organized, attention to details and proactive in helping the APAC Client Services Team to operate more efficiently and effectively.

How you'll spend your time...

Client Service

• Provide great client service to our distribution business in Japan.
• Ensure client service delivery timelines being adhered to.
• Timely acknowledgement of clients’ queries/request, and take full ownership of task resolution, which can be complex given that it crosses between institutional and wholesale, US-managed vs. EMEA-managed, and Alternatives group.
• Work independently or with stakeholders to investigate/resolve client request/issues. Able to identify potential roadblocks, and escalate issues to senior management as appropriate, to ensure work around / ability to meet business and/or clients’ needs.
• Arrange and participate in performance review meetings with internal portfolio managers and external clients, ensure materials are prepared accurately and delivered well in advance of meetings or client deadlines.
• Provide timely updates to business as appropriate.
• Provide client service support to other APAC business as and when required.

Client Take-on

• Effective communications on a regular basis with all the stakeholders, mainly with internal overseas colleagues located in the US and EMEA, and external clients regarding client take-on to relevant business areas.
• Coordinate the negotiation and completion of legal agreements/application forms.
• Coordinate all relevant documentation, including AML / KYC.
• Progress operational set up with Operations team.
• Establish reporting requirements and coordinate delivery with Reporting team.
• Obtain sign-off from relevant business areas.

Client Reporting

• Manage deadlines and work towards standardization of reports, wherever possible. Assist with non-standard client reporting as required.
• Facilitate compliance sign-off of portfolio review / report decks (ensure review deck is ready, including translation as needed).
• Communicate important notifications to fund investors:
• fund updates, fact sheets, updated prospectus and performance summaries.
• shareholder notifications.
• other pertinent information (ad-hoc/periodic reporting to local regulator/client).

Other Wider Support Activities

• Proactively engage within Client Services team and provide support where necessary.
• Provide regular updates on broader Client Services activities.
• Ensure client record and data are updated and documented in share drive.
• Coordinate Client Service-related projects (including testing) as assigned.
• Manage ad-hoc issues / risk events that have client impact.

To be successful in this role you will have...

• At least 3 years’ relevant experience in similar position, preferably in asset management or in operation function with financial institutions.
• Demonstrates appropriate level of understanding of fund management, financial instruments, administration processes, performance analyses and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Bloomberg Professional and SalesForce.
• Able to work under pressure in delivering expected outcomes within short deadlines.
• Good listening, communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with stakeholders within the business as well as clients.
• Ability to work across businesses and geographies, to achieve effective outcomes.
• Good self-organizational and time management skills, self-starter and ability to take a roll-the-sleeves up approach to the role.
• Demonstrates strong enthusiasm for work and a proactive approach to responsibilities.
• Shows a humble, continuous learning mindset and willingness to grow.
• Values teamwork and collaborates effectively with colleagues.
• Displays creativity and persistence in solving problems, with a willingness to make sustained efforts.
• Excellent numerical and written skills are essential.
• Japanese (Native) and Fluent in English (spoken and written).

It would be great if you also had...

• Demonstrate good cross-cultural/language skills (Strong spoken / written ability in English
• Local license (dealing in securities).
• Investment Management Certificate (or equivalent).

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Full timePermanentSales

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.