Fund managers seek product developers

Product development in fund management firms is still a hive of hiring activity.

"It's a busy market place," says Samantha Donald, consultant at recruitment firm Shepherd Little. "Lots of asset managers are looking for product developers, from junior to senior level. The marketplace is relatively cyclical, and has gotten busy again."

Fund managers who are hiring in this area include Threadneedle Investments, JP Morgan Asset Management, ABN Amro Mellon and RBC Dexia Investor Services. HSBC Investments has just appointed Adam Fairhead from JPMorgan Asset Management as global head of product development.

Experienced product development professionals with at least 10 years experience can earn basic six-figure salaries, plus bonuses. "The majority of that experience - say six to eight years -will have had to be focused on product development," Donald says.

Juniors are still very much in demand too, and can expect starting salaries of between 35,000 and 40,000.