USA Sr. Director, Product Development

About this role

USA Sr. Director, Product Development

Country: United States of America

It Starts Here: Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.  This is more than a strategic shift.  It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

Role Summary The Head of Products is a senior executive responsible for defining and executing the investment product strategy for a U.S. wealth management business operating across both   broker-dealer (transactional)   and   advisory (fee-based)   channels.

This role owns the design, development, governance, commercialization, and lifecycle management of the firm’s investment product platform, including   UMAs, SMAs, model portfolios, mutual funds, ETFs, equities, structured products, alternatives, and insurance solutions . The role supports both   wealth and legacy retail client segments , ensuring the platform accommodates varying levels of client sophistication, service models, and custody arrangements. The Head of Investment Products is accountable for delivering a   fully integrated, dual-channel platform , often operating across   multiple custodial environments , that is competitive, scalable, and compliant with regulatory requirements. Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Platform Ownership • Define and execute the   investment product strategy   aligned with wealth and legacy retail business objectives. • Own the   end-to-end product platform across advisory and brokerage channels , ensuring consistency and competitiveness across client segments. • Design product architecture that supports   multiple custody platforms and delivery models , ensuring a seamless advisor and client experience. • Partner with senior leadership across Investment, Distribution, Risk, Finance, and Operations to align product strategy with business priorities.

Advisory & Brokerage Platform Management • Oversee the development and management of   advisory platforms (UMA, SMA, model portfolios)   and   brokerage offerings (mutual funds, ETFs, equities, structured products, alternatives) . • Ensure effective positioning and deployment across both   wealth and retail client bases , accounting for differences in complexity, scale, and client needs. • Maintain consistency in product standards and governance across   discretionary, non-discretionary, and execution-only environments . • Support advisors in delivering both   scalable advisory solutions and transactional brokerage capabilities .

Product Development & Lifecycle Management • Lead the   design, approval, launch, and ongoing management   of all investment products and programs. • Establish and maintain   formal product lifecycle governance , including product reviews, enhancements, rationalization, and decommissioning. • Identify and develop new product opportunities across both advisory and brokerage, including solutions tailored to   retail scalability and wealth customization . • Ensure product design is compatible across   multiple custodians and operational infrastructures . • Define pricing, fee structures, and economic frameworks in coordination with Finance.

Investment Product Oversight & Due Diligence • Oversee due diligence, selection, and ongoing monitoring of   third-party and proprietary investment products . • Maintain the   approved product platform , ensuring alignment with performance, cost, risk, liquidity, and suitability standards across client segments. • Implement robust   manager research and evaluation frameworks   across asset classes. • Participate in and/or lead governance committees (e.g., Product Review, Conflicts of Interest).

Regulatory Governance & Supervision • Ensure all products and platforms comply with applicable   SEC and FINRA regulations , including Reg BI, suitability, and fiduciary obligations where applicable. • Establish and oversee   supervisory frameworks   across advisory and brokerage activities, including retail distribution considerations. • Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Risk to manage   product risks, disclosures, and conflicts of interest . • Support regulatory examinations, internal audits, and control enhancements across all platforms and custody environments.

Advisor Enablement & Commercialization • Partner with Distribution to drive   adoption, usage, and appropriate deployment   of products across wealth and retail channels. • Develop   training, guidance, and tools   tailored to different advisor models and client segments. • Monitor product flows, revenue contribution, and client outcomes across platforms to inform strategy and optimization. • Ensure alignment between product offering and advisor practices within a   multi-channel, multi-custodian environment .

Market & Competitive Intelligence • Monitor industry trends across   advisory platforms, brokerage innovation, and retail distribution models . • Benchmark the platform against leading broker-dealers, private banks, and hybrid RIA models. • Evaluate and manage third-party providers, custodians, and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related field; MBA, CFA, or equivalent preferred. • 12–15+ years of experience in   investment products, wealth management, or broker-dealer platforms . • Proven experience managing a   multi-asset product platform across advisory and brokerage channels . • Experience supporting both   wealth and retail client segments , including differences in product complexity and scale. • Demonstrated experience operating within   dual or multiple custody platform environments . • Deep expertise in   advisory solutions (UM

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