Investment Director/Lead Product Specialist Insurance & Pension Clients - Credit Strategies

Job Description

Investment Director (Insurance & Pension Clients - Liquidity & Short-Duration Credit Strategies)We are working with a leading global asset managerthat is looking to hire an Investment Director (Lead Product Specialist/Investment Specialist) to represent their liquidity & short duration credit strategies, with a particular focus on Insurance and Pensionclients.This is a senior role within a growing, highly regarded business unit and the Investment Director would act a conduit between the portfolio management and sales functions to promote the firm’s investment capabilities across client channels. This particularrole (an expansionary hire) would be one of four lead investment directors within the Credit division (each covering a different credit business unit).The investment team this role would be covering has been experiencing healthy inflows (recently won a large mandate and several more in the pipeline), while also being highly regarded in the industry, with an excellent track record and good consultant ratings.The role presents an excellent opportunity to be the face of the franchise and the opportunity to build out the messaging/delivery around the firm’s capabilities in this space, which is why the ideal candidate will have a strong entrepreneurial mindset andwill thrive in an environment where there is a high degree of autonomy. There would also be dedicated support for this role from a junior team member, as well as an excellent team and firm culture.Strong previous experience working with insurance (especially)and pension clients is essential, ideally in an Investment Specialist or Investment Director capacity. An understanding of or prior experience of liquidity & short-duration credit (or other creditstrategies) is considered a plus, however not required.Our client would consider strong candidates that are working in a similar capability at another asset manager, as well as any strong candidates from a leading consultancy that have a good understanding of the insurance and pension landscape. We would alsoconsider strong sell-side candidates or even PMs looking to move into non-investment roles, provided they fit the above criteria.Why does this role exist:In the past year, the team has undergone significant growth, with the majority of team members being new hires. Currently, there are three lead Investment Directors for the Credit team, covering IG, HY and EMD. This new hire will complete the setup takingon liquidity & short-duration credit strategies for Insurance & Pension clients.The Team

• The Credit team manages over £100bn of assets across a range of investment strategies including Emerging Market Debt, Liquidity, Global High Yield, and Investment Grade strategies.
• TheInvestment Directors (4 in total - including this hire) enjoy full autonomy over their respective franchises. They collaborate closely with investment teams, sales teams, and actively promote the firm’s products while working alongside all teams toraise assets. This role wold be for hiring a new investment director to lead one of the
• The Investment Directors operate independently of the head of the team, set their own agendas, control the franchises message and plan, and have full ownership of their respective franchises.
• Each Investment Director is supported by 1-2 investment specialists.
• Most team members are in the office 3 days a week with 2 days spent working remotely or from home. For the new hire initially there could be an expectation to be in the office and once settled in there is a high degree of flexibility.

The roleThe role encompasses three key functions:

• Portfolio Manager Proxy: The candidate will work closely with the portfolio management team, gaining an in-depth understanding of product and process enabling them to represent to clients as a product expert.
• Ownership of Investment Message: The candidate will be expected to continually improve and refine the investment message within their product range insuring clarity and consistency of message across product suite.
• Proposition Development: The candidate should have a strong understanding of the client base and market trends enabling them to steer proposition development.

Requirements

• 6–15+ years’ experience in an Investment Specialist/Investment Director/Product Specialist/Portfolio Specialist capacity
• Strong understanding of the financial, technical, and regulatory requirements for insurance and or pension clients is required
• Understanding of or prior experience within liquidity & short-duration credit (or other credit strategies) is considered a plus, however not required
• Strong communication and presentational skills
• Confident network and relationship builder, both external and internal