BlackRock Manager Research, Operational Due Diligence, Associate

About this role

BlackRock's Manager Research Operational Due Diligence team is looking for an Associate to join our team in New York.

Who we are:

BlackRock Manager Research (“BMR”) is a global team that drives innovation in selecting the best investment managers across public and private markets. Whether it’s hedge funds or mutual funds, private credit or real estate, we help build portfolios that perform – using innovative methods to identify the top players in the industry. BMR is organized into three expert pillars: Investment Due Diligence (IDD), Operational Due Diligence (ODD), and Quantitative Due Diligence (QDD), where we analyze data, trends, and strategies to ensure our clients’ investments thrive.

As part of BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Strategies & Solutions (MASS) group, you’ll be at the heart of how we approach asset allocation, portfolio construction, and active management. With over $1 trillion in assets under management, MASS is where innovation meets execution in delivering results for BlackRock clients globally.

Your Role:

As an Associate on our Operational Due Diligence team, you will dive deep into comprehensive operational reviews of underlying investments, assessing personnel, policies, procedures, and the overall control environment of the firm. You'll cover areas such as trading, asset valuation, third-party service providers, counterparty risk, regulatory developments, compliance, fund governance, as well as technology and cybersecurity.

Your responsibilities will include performing assessments on new investment opportunities, ongoing monitoring of existing investments, and meeting with the C-suite and senior leadership of third-party investment managers, leading experts in BlackRock, and industry service providers. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic and collaborative environment, possesses strong analytical and organizational skills, and has a passion for continuous development and improvement.

Successful candidates will demonstrate outstanding attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and a relentless drive to excel. If you have intellectual curiosity and a proven ability to work across teams, this is the opportunity for you! Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of investment management.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct operational due diligence reviews on existing and prospective investments, including evaluations of internal controls, operational support structure, personnel, trading infrastructure, regulatory environment, compliance program, financing arrangements, cash management procedures, valuation practices, NAV production, service providers, IT and cybersecurity, etc.

• Perform operational assessments and present findings to the Investment Committee.

• Deliver recommendations on best practices to external investment managers and internal partners.

• Coordinate and participate in meetings with C-suite executives (e.g. COO, CFO) and other senior management personnel.

• Contribute to client engagement efforts and ongoing servicing

• Conduct reviews of key industry service providers such as fund administrators, third party valuation agents, compliance and IT consultants, prime brokers, etc.

• Assist with legal fund documentation review and negotiations.

• Build a comprehensive understanding of investment strategies and asset classes through independent research, engagement in the industry and across the Firm.

• Drive initiatives and projects focused on process enhancement and emergent industry trends

What You Offer:

Fresh Perspectives: 3-5 years of experience is great but not crucial – we’re more interested in your curiosity and passion for investments.

Academic Excellence: Whether you studied Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or something similar, we want to see outstanding academic credentials.

Ambition: Got your eye on the CFA or CPA? Amazing! We love people who are committed to personal growth.

Confidence and Communication: You’re articulate, confident, and ready to present your ideas to everyone from teammates to senior leadership to C-suite executives.

Energy and Drive: You bring a sense of urgency, a hands-on approach, and the ability to balance the big picture with the details.

Relationship Builder: You’re great at establishing rapport and forming meaningful connections inside and outside the organization.

Tech Savvy: Proficient in Python, R, SQL, etc.? Fantastic! We can put those skills to good use.

Willingness to Travel: Domestically and internationally – our investment managers are all over the wo