Junior Product Specialist

About Canada Life UK

Canada Life UK has been serving the retirement, investment, and protection needs of individuals, families, and businesses since 1903. Operating as a part of Great-West Lifeco, the company is dedicated to building better futures for its customers, intermediaries, and employees by fostering a modern, agile, and inclusive working environment.

Currently undergoing a transformation to focus more sharply on customer needs, Canada Life UK offers expertise in financial and tax planning, home finance, annuities, and collective fund solutions for third parties.

Role Purpose

The Junior Product Specialist role is designed to help establish a new product specialist function for the company's multi-asset fund range. This position entails supporting the development of data, content, reporting, due diligence, and infrastructure systems to better assist UK financial advisers, strategic partners, and internal distribution teams.

This is primarily a developmental role where the candidate is expected to grow into the position rather than be an immediate expert in multi-asset or UK adviser markets. The role involves acting as the main analytical and operational support resource, ensuring accuracy and commercial relevance of fund information, performance commentary, adviser resources, and sales tools.

Positioned between fund management and distribution, the Junior Product Specialist translates investment activities, fund performance, and portfolio positioning into clear, actionable materials for sales teams, advisers, and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and prepare materials such as drafts, performance commentaries, pitch books, RFPs/DDQs, and presentations to a high standard and with accurate content.
• Conduct data gathering and competitor analysis, including checks on performance, attribution, peers, and competitor information with monthly updates to distribution teams.
• Support client engagement by preparing materials and attending adviser/client meetings with senior support initially, progressing to lead smaller meetings and provide subject matter expertise at events.
• Develop thorough knowledge of the multi-asset fund ranges and keep abreast of the competitive landscape.
• Ensure all materials comply with internal compliance procedures and adhere to FCA financial promotion regulations and Consumer Duty standards.
• Assist business development managers and telesales representatives in both face-to-face and remote meetings, dedicating approximately 15% to 30% of time to these activities.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent analytical skills and keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency working confidently with numerical data related to performance, funds, and markets.
• Strong written communication ability with clear, well-organized summaries.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel.
• Strong organizational capabilities and multitasking under multiple deadlines.
• High standards for accuracy, thorough source verification, and version control processes.
• Genuine interest and curiosity about financial markets, investment funds, and portfolio construction.
• Ability to confidently interact with stakeholders across investment, distribution, product, marketing, and compliance teams.
• Openness to rapid learning, accepting feedback, and thriving in a newly formed team environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in asset management, wealth management, investment consulting, platforms, financial advisory, banking, or related financial sectors.
• Knowledge of investment funds, asset classes, portfolio building, risk management, and return metrics.
• Familiarity with performance reporting, client reports, RFP/DDQ processes, and sales support materials.
• Insight into the UK adviser market, platforms, strategic partners, IA sectors, or risk-rated fund ranges.
• Proficiency in tools like Morningstar, FE fundinfo, Bloomberg, Lipper, FactSet, Power BI, or CRM software.
• Progress towards professional qualifications such as IMC, CFA, or equivalent investment certifications.
• Basic understanding of financial promotions, product governance, and Consumer Duty regulations.

Benefits at Canada Life

Canada Life UK offers a competitive salary and benefits portfolio that is reviewed regularly. Employees enjoy a generous pension plan, bonus schemes, income protection, private medical insurance, life assurance, and extensive personal and professional development opportunities.

Work Culture

The company prides itself on a unique work culture centered around integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. It champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering an environment where all employees can thrive regardless of background or personal characteristics.

Flexible working arrangements, including part-time options, are available to accommodate varied life circumstances.