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- Tasks: Lead and oversee a £17bn portfolio of externally managed funds.
- Company: Join Border to Coast, the largest LGPS pool in the UK, focused on sustainable investments.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and a commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in investment management while fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in multi-manager portfolios and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Leeds (with hybrid working) Full time (we welcome flexible working discussions) Border to Coast is seeking an established investment leader to assume the role of Head of External Management, responsible for the effective running and oversight of a growing portfolio of externally managed and hybrid sub-funds which currently sits at c.£17bn of assets. This is an exciting opportunity within a flourishing asset management business where the right candidate will be able to assume wide ranging investment management leadership opportunities.
An opportunity to make a difference
At Border to Coast our purpose is to make a difference and we’re looking for an accomplished leader of large Multi Manager or External Managed portfolios to join our award-winning team. As a customer-owned and customer-focused organisation, integrity is one of our values, as is our collaborative and sustainable approach. Our focus is to secure the pensions of over a million people who have provided valuable service to their communities and society. We’re the largest UK asset manager outside London or Edinburgh, and we provide innovative investments that deliver sustainable returns over the long term.
Our External Management team are responsible for the management of c.£17bn+ of assets that are primarily invested through External Fund Management partners across both Equities and Fixed Income. The External Management approach is to develop long term partnerships with a select number of key external managers that are well aligned in capability and philosophy. The business is growing, and the Head of External Management will play a key role within the wider Portfolio Solutions Division, directly influencing the performance and outcomes for the business’s investment strategy, whilst also enhancing decision making across Border to Coast’s external investment process.
About the Role:
- Oversee management of all externally managed and hybrid sub-funds under the responsibility of a team of Portfolio Managers, Assistant Portfolio Managers and Analysts.
- Work with the Head of Portfolio Solutions and Partner Funds to identify and develop new capabilities relevant to the needs of the Partner Funds.
- Lead proposition launch and manager replacement projects.
- Lead External Manager Selection and Monitoring.
- Portfolio Construction and Rebalancing across the Externally Managed portfolio.
- Contribute and engage with the internal investment, research, and risk teams to ensure an integrated investment approach.
- Develop and maintain relationships with third party service providers including external managers, advisers, consultants, and research providers.
- Encourage debate within Portfolio Solutions team to identify investment opportunities.
About You:
You will be an accomplished leader of Externally Managed / Multi-Manager portfolios both directly and through other portfolio managers. Have a keen interest and understanding of investment markets, long-term investment, and a commitment to responsible investment and sustainability. Ability and interest in developing long term partnerships with external managers that provide sustained value for Partner Funds. Be innovative to identify and deliver new opportunities and capability for the benefit of Partner Funds. You’re a pro-active, self-motivated individual but with a genuine interest in leading, coaching and developing team members. You’ve got excellent analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative. You’ll be a strong communicator with high levels of integrity and trustworthiness.
Why join Border to Coast?
At Border to Coast, you will receive competitive remuneration (including variable pay) and have access to excellent benefits. There’s more information about pay and reward, careers at Border to Coast and how we work on our website Careers - Border To Coast - Work With Us. We welcome applications from people of all experience levels and backgrounds and value diversity of thought. We are committed to creating an inclusive and engaging workplace, ensuring that colleagues maintain a work life balance. We encourage colleagues to progress, be themselves and be their best through both personal and professional development.
If you have a disability, or if you have a condition that you believe may affect your performance during our selection process, we would be happy to discuss making reasonable adjustments to our processes for you. Please contact our recruitment team at.
We’re looking for people with the right values, behaviours, skills and experiences and if you meet some of the role’s criteria and are interested in finding out more about Border to Coast and the team, we’d love to hear from you.
About Us:
Border to Coast is the largest LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme) pool in the UK. It is owned by 11 Local Government Pension Schemes (‘Partner Funds’). The Partner Funds represent 3,100 employers and over a million members. The Partner Funds are Bedfordshire, Cumbria, Durham, East Riding, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Surrey, Teesside, Tyne and Wear and Warwickshire. The Partner Funds have c.£64bn in investments, of which Border to Coast is responsible for managing £47.9bn (as of 31 March 2024). Border to Coast also provides support and advice on a further £8.2bn, primarily invested in index funds, which sit outside of the pool. Border to Coast offers its 11 Partner Funds investment opportunities across equities, fixed income, private markets, and global and UK real estate. Our purpose is to make a difference for the LGPS. We seek to do this by providing cost-effective and innovative investment opportunities delivering returns over the long term for our Partner Funds, their employers and over 1.1 million LGPS members. Since launch, Border to Coast has been awarded many accolades: ‘Best Pool of the Year’ at the LAPF Investment Awards three years out of four, most recently winning ‘Pool Innovation of the Year’, named at the Professional Pensions UK Pensions Awards as ‘Equity’ and ‘Alternatives Manager of the Year’, and our Climate Change report has won Pensions for Purpose awards two years in a row.
Head of External Management employer: Border to Coast Pensions Partnership
Contact Detail:
Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Management
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Border to Coast's investment philosophy and values. Understanding their commitment to responsible investment and sustainability will help you align your approach and demonstrate your fit for the role during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the asset management industry, particularly those who have experience with externally managed portfolios. Engaging in conversations with these individuals can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and developments in investment markets, especially regarding multi-manager strategies. This knowledge will not only enhance your discussions but also showcase your proactive interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams and external partnerships. Highlighting your ability to coach and develop team members will resonate well with Border to Coast's collaborative culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Management
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing externally managed and multi-manager portfolios. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of investment markets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for responsible investment and sustainability. Discuss how your values align with Border to Coast's mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that relate to the role. Mention any successful projects you've led, particularly those involving external manager selection or portfolio construction.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders, team members, and external partners in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Border to Coast Pensions Partnership
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Before your interview, make sure you’re familiar with Border to Coast's values, especially their commitment to integrity and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the Head of External Management, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in managing externally managed portfolios or multi-manager strategies.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your understanding of investment markets and portfolio management. Brush up on your knowledge of both equities and fixed income, and be ready to discuss how you would approach portfolio construction and rebalancing.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves developing long-term partnerships with external managers, be ready to talk about your experience in building and maintaining professional relationships. Highlight any successful collaborations you've had and how they benefited your previous organisations.
