Fund Research Manager

The Fund Research team’s purpose is to deliver high quality fund research to support the decision-making process of the Investment Committee. The Fund Research Manager is responsible for leading the ongoing development of fund selection processes and methodologies, recommending enhancements if required. Within this position, they will act as the lead for fund research across the business.

The objective of the Fund Research Manager is to support the Investment Committee in achieving competitive performance of our discretionary portfolios over the long-term through superior investment selection and asset allocation

Where applicable, to place the interests of customers at the centre of all activities, act in a way that is consistent with achieving good outcomes for consumers; and to comply with the FCA and PRA's Conduct Rules

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct detailed qualitative and quantitative assessments of funds under consideration (ETFs, long only funds and alternative). to assist the investment committee in selecting the appropriate fund.
• Responsible for the ongoing development of structured fund research processes, that align with the wider investment philosophy at Arbuthnot.
• Maintain, enhance, and develop ALIM’s fund screens. Screens have a particular focus on wider market and macro variables that are driving fund performance. The analysis framework of investments focuses on the factors driving out/underperformance of investments and manager alpha.
• Organise and manage each fund research POD’s workflow. Collaborate closely with the Asset Pods to ensure ongoing fund monitoring, conduct regular interviews with fund managers, and drive fund research projects to timely completion. Alongside this provide direction to Asset Pod’s from a fund research perspective.
• Close collaboration with investment research team to ensure wider macro-economic and market insights are incorporated into fund selection monitoring and assessment. Support for investment research team on wider research effort.
• Originate investment ideas through fund research process to proposed to the Investment Committee.
• Contribute to discussions of funds and sectors covered by other team members. Coach and mentor junior fund analyst on fund research best practice.
• Completion of internal fund due diligence questionnaires and ongoing oversight of funds to confirm their continued inclusion in portfolios.
• Ensure adherence to due diligence standards and regulatory requirements for all invested funds, maintaining up-to-date MI documentation for the Investment Committee and compliance review.
• Attend IC meetings up to the Tactical Asset Allocation Level to act as the informational conduit to the Investment Committee for fund selection considerations. Clearly communicate and debating fund research findings.
• Participation in ad hoc projects as determined by the Head of Research.
• Interact with key stakeholders on the investment committee and make recommendations based on your research.

Portfolio Risk & Analytics

• Collaborate with the Risk and Investment Strategy Teams to assist with the effective management of model portfolios.

Communications

• Represent Arbuthnot Latham in presentations to internal and external stakeholders in addition to the investment committee for marketing purposes where required.
• Contribute to research papers and articles for both internal and external use.

Commercial

• Support the growth in new business and client retention through appropriate support to the Distribution Team.

Risk

• Be responsible for managing risks inherent to the role by diligently observing internal policies and procedures.

Key Interfaces

• Internal Investment Research Team
• Wealth Management Distribution Team
• Wealth Management Business Support Team
• Private and Commercial Banking Teams
• Marketing Team
• Compliance
• External Fund Managers
• Investment Banks
• Institutional Research Providers
• Clients and Intermediaries

Person Specification

Knowledge / Experience

• Quantitative mindset – comfortable running fund screens and quantitative analysis on existing/potential investments.
• Qualitative fund research – strong experience in qualitative assessment of active fund managers. Show clarity in the key question to ask fund managers to audit performance drivers of their funds.
• Organisation - able to organise and drive fund project work.
• Market knowledge – demonstrable understanding of wider market and macro-economic factors (style/factor, macro variables) and how this drives fund performance.
• Analytical - ability to identify the drivers of investment performance and manager alpha.
• Self-starter – Looking for a candidate who is willing to take initiative on tasks, analysis and lead projects.
• Experience presenting to investment committees
• You will have the potential to produce in-depth, intelligent research.
• Knowledge of funds, trusts and ETFs across a variety of different asset classes and geographies
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word and Power Point) and have strong data analysis skills
• Knowledge of UK IFA platform industry advantageous
• Programming knowledge/experience would be looked upon favourably.
• Knowledge of ESG fund universe
• Experience working with Morningstar Direct
• To have excellent analytical, communication and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and come up with ideas to enhance our processes.
• Ability to quickly learn new concepts relating to funds and be able to apply them
• Experience of working within a multi-asset environment preferred and a rounded knowledge of multi-asset class preferred.
• Sound knowledge of portfolio construction.
• Inquisitive nature to understand the cause-and-effect interactions with the macro and markets.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and administration skills.
• Proficiency with Bloomberg, FactSet and Morningstar preferred.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with progress towards or achievement of finance related professional qualification such as CAIA or CFA
• Demonstrable experience in fund research covering equity, fixed income or alternative funds.

Key candidate characteristics

• Quantitative mindset – comfortable running fund screens and quantitative analysis on existing/potential investments.
• Qualitative fund research – strong experience in qualitative assessment of active fund managers.
• Show clarity in the key question to ask fund managers to audit performance drivers of their funds.
• Organisation - able to organise and drive fund project work.
• Market knowledge – demonstrable understanding of wider market and macro-economic factors (style/factor, macro variables) and how this drives fund performance.
• Analytical - ability to identify the drivers of investment performance and manager alpha.
• Self-starter – Looking for a candidate who is willing to take initiative on tasks, analysis and lead projects.

Management Competencies

• Respecting Others
• Influencing Others
• Performance Focus

Business Focused Competencies

• Business & Commercial Focus
• Creativity / Entrepreneurial Thinking

Personal Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Organisation
• Time management
• Working with others collaboratively
• Willingness to learn