At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse investment and operational risks while integrating ESG considerations into decision-making.
- Company: Reputable investment management firm with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Opportunity to work closely with experienced investors and shape risk strategies.
- Other info: Great chance for career growth in a standalone role with significant influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in investment risk, operational risk, or ESG; strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are working exclusively with a highly regarded investment management firm on a newly created opportunity spanning investment risk, operational risk and ESG. The firm has a long-standing reputation for fundamental investing, deep research and high-conviction portfolio management, and is currently evolving into a broader active investment platform across public and private market strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to work close to investment teams in a role that combines portfolio risk, performance analysis, operational risk oversight and ESG integration.
The role will sit close to the investment teams and will have three core areas of responsibility: investment risk, operational risk and ESG. The successful candidate will help the business understand portfolio risk, fund performance, attribution and the risk implications of investment decisions, while also supporting the continued development of the firm’s operational risk and ESG frameworks. This is not a narrow reporting role. The individual will be expected to provide insight, challenge and analytical support across the investment platform, helping to shape how risk, performance, operational resilience and ESG considerations are embedded into the business.
From an investment risk perspective, the role will involve portfolio risk analysis, performance attribution, portfolio construction support and engagement with portfolio managers on the risk implications of investment decisions. There will also be scope to contribute to the evolution of the firm’s analytics toolkit, including the assessment and implementation of third-party risk and portfolio analytics systems. Operational risk will be a meaningful part of the remit. The individual will support the continued development of operational risk processes, controls, governance and reporting across the investment platform. This will include helping the business identify, assess, monitor and manage operational risks, as well as contributing to a more institutionalised risk and control environment. ESG will also form a key component of the role. The individual will support practical ESG process work, including research-provider review, ESG governance, documentation and the continued integration of ESG considerations into the investment platform. The role will require someone who can engage credibly with investment teams on ESG matters in a way that is commercially aware, proportionate and aligned with the firm’s investment-led culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyse portfolio risk across a range of investment strategies, with a particular focus on public markets and equity-oriented portfolios.
- Support portfolio managers and investment teams with risk, performance and portfolio construction analysis.
- Produce and interpret performance attribution, factor exposure, concentration, liquidity and scenario analysis.
- Help assess the risk implications of investment decisions and portfolio changes.
- Contribute to the development of the firm’s risk and portfolio analytics framework.
- Support the review and potential implementation of investment risk systems and analytical tools.
- Help develop, maintain and enhance the firm’s operational risk framework.
- Identify, assess, monitor and report operational risks across the investment platform.
- Support operational risk governance, control assessment, incident review and risk reporting processes.
- Assist with the continued development of operational resilience, controls and business risk management practices.
- Support ESG integration across the investment platform, including process design, documentation and governance.
- Assist with ESG research-provider review and wider ESG oversight activity.
- Work with investment teams to ensure ESG considerations are applied in a practical and investment-relevant way.
- Develop high-quality reporting and insight for investment teams, senior management and governance forums.
- Build credibility with portfolio managers and senior stakeholders across investment risk, operational risk and ESG.
Candidate Profile
Candidates selected for interview will have demonstrable experience across both Operational Risk and Investment Risk in a buy side role. The ideal candidate is likely to come from an investment risk, portfolio analytics, operational risk, ESG, investment oversight or broader buy-side risk role. They should be technically strong, commercially aware and comfortable working directly with investors and senior stakeholders. The successful individual does not need to be a narrow specialist in all three areas from day one, but they must have the intellectual range and appetite to operate across investment risk, operational risk and ESG. The key requirement is someone bright, credible and adaptable, with the ability to develop into a trusted partner to portfolio management teams and the wider business. Exposure to equities or public markets would be particularly relevant, although candidates with broader asset management experience will also be considered. Experience with investment risk and portfolio analytics tools such as APT, Barra, Enfusion or similar platforms would be useful. Prior exposure to operational risk frameworks, control environments, ESG processes or investment governance would also be valuable. The firm is looking for someone who can do more than produce standard reports. The successful candidate will be able to interpret data, explain risk clearly, challenge constructively and support the continued institutionalisation of the platform across risk, controls and ESG.
Desired Experience
- Experience in investment risk, operational risk, ESG, portfolio analytics, investment oversight or a related buy-side risk function.
- Strong understanding of portfolio risk, factor exposures, performance attribution and investment analytics.
- Familiarity with operational risk frameworks, controls, governance, incident management or risk reporting.
- Understanding of ESG integration, ESG governance, research-provider review or responsible investment processes.
- Public markets experience, ideally with exposure to equity strategies.
- Familiarity with third-party risk or portfolio analytics systems such as APT, Barra, Enfusion or similar.
- Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly to investment professionals and senior stakeholders.
- Comfortable operating in a standalone or relatively lean team environment.
- Ability to build relationships with portfolio managers and develop trust over time.
- Commercial awareness and judgement, with the ability to apply risk and ESG principles proportionately.
Opportunity
This is a standalone position rather than a role in a large, layered risk team. There are no immediate management responsibilities, but there is meaningful scope to build credibility with portfolio managers and senior stakeholders, and over time to own key relationships across investment risk, operational risk and ESG. The attraction of the role is the chance to work directly with highly experienced investors across a broadening investment platform, while also helping to shape the firm’s approach to risk, controls, ESG and investment analytics. The business is in an interesting phase of development, with continued investment in its institutional infrastructure, product range and analytical capabilities. For the right individual, this is an opportunity to take on a broad and influential mandate, combining investment risk, operational risk and ESG in a high-calibre investment environment.
Investment Risk, Operational Risk & ESG Specialist in Slough employer: Barclay Simpson
Join a prestigious investment management firm that values intellectual curiosity and offers a collaborative work culture, where you will engage closely with investment teams to shape risk, performance, and ESG strategies. With a commitment to employee growth, the firm provides opportunities for professional development and the chance to influence key investment decisions in a dynamic environment. Located in a vibrant financial hub, this role not only promises meaningful work but also the chance to be part of an evolving platform that prioritises innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Risk, Operational Risk & ESG Specialist in Slough
✨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 Barclay Simpson, 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 Barclay Simpson.
✨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 Barclay Simpson.
✨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 Barclay Simpson, 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, Operational Risk & ESG Specialist in Slough
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 Barclay Simpson 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 Barclay Simpson.
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 Barclay Simpson 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 Barclay Simpson. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barclay Simpson
✨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 Barclay Simpson 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 withBarclay Simpson.
