Director - Product Development - Digital & AI/ML

At Franklin Templeton, we’re driving our industry forward by developing new and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their investment goals. Our dynamic and diversified firm spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, offering many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. Our talented teams working around the globe bring expertise that’s both broad and unique. From our welcoming, inclusive, and flexible culture to our global and diverse business, we offer opportunities not only to help you reach your potential but also to contribute to our clients’ achievements.

Come join us in delivering better outcomes for our clients around the world!

What is the Director - Product Development in FTT Digital Technology group responsible for?

• The Director – Product Development in the FTT AI & Digital Transformation group is responsible for leading a dynamic team of engineers to build cutting-edge generative AI tools-based products. These products are primarily designed for internal use, catering to the needs of our sales, distribution, and operations teams. In this role, the director will work closely with and manage strategic vendors, ensuring a seamless integration of their solutions with our in-house developments. Furthermore, the director will be instrumental in building and nurturing a talented team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. A critical component of the responsibilities includes conducting extensive research and proof-of-concept work to drive the continuous improvement and relevance of our AI products.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of a Director - Product Development?

Research Work and Proof of Concept:

A vital aspect of the Director’s role involves spearheading research initiatives and leading proof-of-concept projects. This includes staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI technology, experimenting with new methodologies, and validating the feasibility and potential impact of new ideas before they are scaled for broader application. The director will ensure that the research outputs align with the company's strategic objectives and contribute meaningfully to the product development pipeline

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Ensure the team has the resources and support needed to achieve their goals.

• Product Development: Oversee the end-to-end development of generative AI tools-based products, ensuring they meet the needs of internal users such as sales

• distribution, and operations teams. Prioritize product features and enhancements based on user feedback and business requirements.

• Vendor Management: Work with and manage strategic vendors to integrate their solutions with our in-house developments. Negotiate contracts, monitor performance, and ensure vendors deliver high-quality products and services.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with various stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment of product development efforts with business goals. Communicate progress, challenges, and successes to senior leadership.

• Research and Innovation: Conduct research and lead proof-of-concept projects to explore new AI technologies and methodologies. Validate the feasibility, effectiveness, and potential impact of new ideas before scaling them.

• Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous testing and quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability and performance of AI tools. Address any issues that arise promptly and effectively.

• Budget Management: Develop and manage the product development budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. Monitor expenses and adjust plans as necessary to stay within budget.

• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and refining development processes. Encourage team members to seek out new learning opportunities and stay current with industry trends

What ideal qualifications, skills & experience would help someone to be Successful?

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• Advanced degrees or relevant certifications in AI or Machine Learning are highly desirable

• 10+ years of experience in product development, with a focus on AI or Machine Learning products.

• Proven track record of leading and managing engineering teams to deliver successful products.

• Experience working with strategic vendors and managing vendor relationships.

• Strong background in conducting research and leading proof-of-concept projects.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders and align product development with business goals

Job Level - Director

Work Shift Timings - 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM IST

Experience our welcoming culture and reach your professional and personal potential!

Our culture is shaped by our diverse global workforce and strongly held core values. Regardless of your interests, lifestyle, or background, there’s a place for you at Franklin Templeton. We provide employees with the tools, resources, and learning opportunities to help them excel in their career and personal life.

Hear more from our employees

 
By joining us, you will become part of a culture that focuses on employee well-being and provides multidimensional support for a positive and healthy lifestyle. We understand that benefits are at the core of employee well-being and may vary depending on individual needs. Whether you need support for maintaining your physical and mental health, saving for life’s adventures, taking care of your family members, or making a positive impact in your community, we aim to have them covered.  

Highlights of our benefits include:

• Professional development growth opportunities through in-house classes and over 150 Web-based training courses

• An educational assistance program to financially help employees seeking continuing education

• Medical, Life and Personal Accident Insurance benefit for employees. Medical insurance also cover employee’s dependents (spouses, children and dependent parents)

• Life insurance for protection of employees’ families

• Personal accident insurance for protection of employees and their families

• Personal loan assistance

• Employee Stock Investment Plan (ESIP)

• 12 weeks Paternity leave

• Onsite fitness center, recreation center, and cafeteria

• Transport facility

• Child day care facility for women employees

• Cricket grounds and gymnasium

• Library

• Health Center with doctor availability

• HDFC ATM on the campus

Learn more about the wide range of benefits we offer at Franklin Templeton

Franklin Templeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. 
 
Franklin Templeton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. If you believe that you need an accommodation to search for or apply for one of our positions, please send an email to accommodations@franklintempleton.com. In your email, please include the accommodation you are requesting, the job title, and the job number you are applying for. It may take up to three business days to receive a response to your request. Please note that only accommodation requests will receive a response.