USA Sr. Director, Product Development

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 (UMA/SMA) and brokerage products (structured products, alternatives, equities, mutual funds, ETFs) .
• Strong understanding of U.S. regulatory frameworks (SEC, FINRA, Reg BI) and supervisory expectations.
• Experience supporting Financial Advisors in a hybrid advisory/brokerage model .
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives across Product, Compliance, Risk, Operations, and Distribution.
• Strong knowledge of high-net-worth and retail client needs.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with investment platforms (e.g., Morningstar Direct, Bloomberg, FactSet).

Licensing Requirements

• FINRA Series 7 and Series 24 required.
• Series 65 or 66 preferred.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

Maximum:

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it’s recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next :

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at View email address on us.fitly.work to discuss your needs.