At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment risk oversight and provide expert guidance on portfolio risks.
- Company: AJ Bell is a fast-growing investment platform, trusted by over 620,000 customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a starting salary up to £75,000, generous holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised as one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For'.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team, enhance your analytical skills, and contribute to financial futures.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance, Mathematics, or Economics; CFA or FRM preferred.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Company Description
Job Description
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an Investment Risk & Oversight Manager to join our Risk Team at AJ Bell. In this role, you’ll report directly to the Head of Risk and take the lead in providing independent oversight of our discretionary investment management activities, including the AJ Bell fund range and our Model Portfolio Service (MPS).
You’ll lead the development of investment risk oversight as part of the second line of defence. This means you’ll provide expert guidance and challenge on how the first line identifies, monitors, and reports on portfolio risks, including credit, market, and liquidity risks. Your background in investment management will help you assess how well strategies are performing and whether they align with their intended investment objectives.
This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
What are the key responsibilities?
- Provide independent oversight of the Group’s investment products and services, ensuring risks are appropriately identified and managed.
- Lead engagement with the first line investment team, participating in investment forums and offering expert challenge and insight.
- Review and assess all aspects of the investment process, including portfolio construction, model usage, investment selection, and supporting analytics.
- Engage with the Investments team to ensure timely escalation and resolution of mandate breaches or performance concerns.
- Oversee the risk review of new portfolios prior to launch, ensuring alignment with risk appetite and governance standards.
- Prepare and present second line investment risk reporting for governance forums and committees, ensuring clarity and impact.
- Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging best practices in investment risk management.
- Provide oversight and challenge on the development of systems and tools used by the Investments team to support decision-making and/or supporting operational processes.
- Contribute to the evolution of the Group’s Risk Management Framework, with a focus on strengthening investment risk practices.
- Step in for the Head of Risk when required, representing the function and maintaining continuity of leadership.
What you’ll have
We’re looking for a highly analytical investment professional with a strong understanding of the risks associated with collective investment vehicles across a broad range of asset classes. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to build constructive relationships with first-line investment teams and present risk insights clearly to stakeholders. You’ll help embed a strong risk culture, offering challenge where needed while enabling the business to remain agile and commercially focused.
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience in the asset management industry, decision-making responsibilities are a plus but not essential.
- Strong knowledge of financial instruments, investment strategies, and associated risk analytics (e.g. VaR, stress testing).
- A strong awareness of regulations e.g. UCITS / COLL and investment governance
- Familiarity with risk management tools and techniques.
- Educated to degree level, ideally in a quantitative discipline such as Finance, Mathematics, or Economics.
- Professional qualifications such as CFA or FRM advantageous.
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent report writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to understand and interrogate complex issues.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving mindset, able to challenge assumptions and explore issues from multiple angles.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Tenacious and proactive, takes ownership and follows through on actions.
- Effective planning, organisation, and time management skills.
- Commercially aware, with a good understanding of the broader business landscape.
- Able to work independently and deliver objectives with minimal supervision.
Academic research indicates that some candidates can be reluctant to apply for vacancies unless they meet every individual criterion. If the job description sounds interesting, and you feel like you could be a good fit, then please don’t let this put you off applying!
About us
AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 620,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £96.1 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.
Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.
Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK’s ‘Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work.
Our perks and benefits
- Starting Salary up to £75,000
- Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
- A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8% (Increasing with length of service)
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Annual free share awards scheme
- Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
- Health Cash Plan — provided by SimplyHealth
- Private healthcare scheme and dental plan
- Free gym membership
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Bike loan scheme
- Sick pay+ pledge
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Loans for travel season tickets
- Death in service scheme
- Paid time off for volunteer work
- Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
- Calendar of social events, including annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
- Ongoing technical training
- Professional qualification support
- Talent development programmes
- Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
- Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
Hybrid working
At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That’s why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.
AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.
Investment Risk & Oversight Manager in Manchester employer: Aj Bell
AJ Bell is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' for six consecutive years. With a strong focus on employee growth and a vibrant work culture, we offer competitive benefits including a generous holiday entitlement, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee well-being through various health and wellness programmes. Located in Manchester, our dynamic environment fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in investment risk management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Risk & Oversight Manager in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Finance Communities
Join investment and asset management forums or local finance meetups. Engaging with professionals in these circles can not only help you learn the ropes but also put you in touch with potential employers like Aj Bell, who often scout for talent at such events.
✨Utilise Networking Platforms
Connect with professionals already working in asset management on platforms like LinkedIn. A personal message showing your interest in their role or asking for advice can lead to significant connections that might tip the scales in your favour at companies like Aj Bell.
✨Show Off Your Financial Skills
Consider contributing to investment blogs or even creating your own content. Sharing your insights and analyses can demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the industry, making you stand out when applying for roles at organisations like Aj Bell.
✨Engage with Recruitment Events
Attend finance recruitment fairs and expos. These events are perfect for making a strong impression with recruiters and potentially securing interviews. Many companies, including Aj Bell, attend these events to scout for fresh talent, so make sure you stand out with your enthusiasm and knowledge!
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Risk & Oversight Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In asset management, it's all about the numbers! Make sure your CV showcases your analytical skills, particularly any experience with financial modelling or quantitative analysis. Employers like Aj Bell want to see how you can dissect data and turn it into actionable insights, so don't hold back on your achievements!
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:Having the right qualifications can be a game changer in investment roles. If you've got a degree in finance, economics, or a related field, flaunt it! Also, if you have any certifications like CFA or CAIA, mention those too. It’ll help demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field to Aj Bell.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Reflect Passion for Investment:Your cover letter is your chance to express your enthusiasm for the investment world. Share why you're drawn to asset management and your understanding of market trends. The hiring team at Aj Bell will be keen to see that passion and how you keep up with industry news and developments.
Quantify Your Achievements:Don’t just tell them what you did - show them! When detailing your previous experience, include quantifiable achievements to illustrate your impact. Whether it’s percentage growth on a portfolio or cost savings in a project, these figures will help your application stand out to Aj Bell. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aj Bell
✨Brush Up on Financial Modelling
For a role in investment asset management, being well-versed in financial modelling is crucial. Make sure you can articulate your experience with tools like Excel or any specialised software you've used. Maybe even prepare a couple of examples of financial models you've built or analysed.
✨Know Your Investment Strategies
Expect questions around different investment strategies and how you would apply them in various market scenarios. Get ready to discuss current market trends and how they impact portfolio management. This shows you're not just about the theory but also keeping an eye on real-world applications.
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Since this is a full-time role, companies like Aj Bell want to see your analytical thinking in action. Prepare to solve case studies or tackle some numerical puzzles during the interview. Practicing these types of questions will boost your confidence and show off your skills.
✨Discuss Your Long-Term Career Goals
As you’re applying for a full-time position, the interviewers will be interested in your commitment to the field. Be ready to discuss how this role fits into your long-term career plans in asset management. This shows you're not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in growing withAj Bell.
