Senior Analyst – Manager Research recruitment

 ROLE:

1.         Report to the Head of Manager Research and the Investment Committee.

2.         Provide analytical support to the research team by quantitative and qualitatively analysing portfolios, enhancing and developing research tools, procedures, and initiatives.

3.         Generate and maintain a short list of managers across asset classes generally in line withthe companies investment philosophy. 

4.         Liaise with and assist the head of manager monitoring in relation to manager monitoring tasks, from time to time.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.         Gain full understanding of the companies investment philosophy and requirements in order to be in no doubt what particular hurdles a new investment manager has to overcome to make its way onto the companies short-list of preferred managers.

2.         Scout and research any potential sources of new manager names in order to generate a steady stream of new leads.  This will involve building and maintaining a network of relevant contacts within the financial/investment industry as a basis for high quality referrals and primary research, as well as on going monitoring of research information sources.

3.         Drive the due diligence on identified managers and consistently apply and adhere to the manager research process.  This will include gathering qualitative and quantitative information, including operational compliance due diligence, performing detailed portfolio analysis of portfolios, assessing their consistency with the manager’s espoused investment approach, preparing and presenting investment analytics/meeting papers prior to manager research meetings, attending research meetings, etc.

4.         Diligently document and record all aspects of the due diligence process according to the companies requirements, and deliver high quality packages for short listed managers in line with internal audit review standards.  Throughout the process, identify and clearly explain key areas/risks/weaknesses to be monitored should the manager be appointed.  Document decisions relating to why managers have made their way onto short-lists, why managers have been rejected.

5.         Actively and efficiently liaise with investment manager analysts on portfolio analytics and overall supporting research activities as well as with client consultants and clients in relation to the investing requirements with the client consulting agreement.

6.         Prepare recommendations to the Investment Committee for addition to the short list.  One of the measures of success in this role is that a list of high quality investment managers is generated for the relevant asset classes of responsibilities so that there are always sufficient options available when an incumbent investment manager needs to be replaced.

7.         Proactively assist the Head of Manager Research with the on-going enhancement of the research process, its tools, procedures, and initiatives. 

8.         Periodically update the Head of Manager Research on research activities and actively coordinate to ensure the most efficient use of available internal resources.

9.         Assisting in other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time.

Qualifications:

-        Educational background in finance/investments.

-        Minimum 5 years experience in a similar senior manager research role is a requirement.

-        Excellent knowledge of the global universe of long-only managers across the asset classes generally is a prerequisite for this role.

-        Familiarity with the global universe of long-short managers active on general markets would be a plus.

-        Working experience in fundamental analysis would be a plus in light of SAL’s philosophical preference for fundamentally-driven managers.

-        CFA Level II qualification a prerequisite.