Research Analyst

Brooks Macdonald Group plc is one of the UK's leading wealth management firms, recognised for investment performance and client service. We offer leading multi-asset investment services to intermediaries and high-quality financial planning advice to private clients, benefitting from a strong local presence across the UK.

We see an opportunity to lead the way within our sector in relation to sustainability and responsible investing. We have set a target for our direct footprint to be Net Zero by 2030 and continue to enhance our approach to responsible investment, which includes offering a dedicated service for clients with values-based objectives.

We offer fulfilling careers in an inclusive culture that values diversity, ambition and rewards high performance. Our guiding principles underpin our culture and are at the heart of everything we do:

• we do the right thing
• we make a difference

We welcome talented people from all backgrounds who live our guiding principles and are focused on ensuring good outcomes for our clients. We’re committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and positively encourage applications regardless of race, religion or belief, sexuality, age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

Collaboration and knowledge-sharing is important to us as a firm, and we value different ways of working. Employees are required to be in the office three days a week, with flexibility to work from home on the other two days.

The Investment Research Analyst will be a core member of the central Investment Research team, contributing across asset selection, asset allocation, performance analysis and investment research projects. The successful candidate will contribute across multiple research areas, with scope to develop subject matter expertise and lead coverage of a specific asset class or sector over time.

A strong preference for candidates with an interest in quantitative research to support manager selection, asset allocation and performance analysis. The role will also play an active part in enhancing research processes through data, coding and the practical integration of AI tools into day to day workflows.

Role Responsibilities

• Asset Research
  • Act as a key contributor to manager research, supporting coverage responsibilities and mentoring junior and mid-level analysts and setting the standards for research quality and depth.
  • Lead and contribute to meetings with fund managers across various asset classes.
  • Undertake rigorous due diligence on funds and strategies.
  • Provide constructive challenge and independent insight through peer group analysis, quantitative assessment and comparative research.
  • Maintain, enhance and keep up to date internal research databases, DDQs and supporting documentation on a timely and ongoing basis.
• Asset Allocation
  • Provide analytical input into asset allocation research, including risk/return analysis, scenario analysis and market monitoring.
  • Support the preparation of materials and analysis for regular Asset Allocation meetings, ensuring outputs are clear and decision focused.
  • Synthesise external research and market data into concise, decision ready insight for internal stakeholders.
• Performance & Risk Analysis
  • Assist with performance analysis across portfolios, strategies and models, including peer relative and risk adjusted assessment.
  • Contribute to the production of performance and attribution reporting for the Investment Committee and Asset Allocation forums, enhancing the quality and insight of analysis presented.
  • Support the maintenance and oversight of inputs into the risk management system, including monthly review of risk models, monitoring the appropriateness of risk mandates, and providing analysis and guidance to the Investment Committee on any actions required.
  • Seek to enhance performance and risk analysis through coding and AI enabled efficiencies.
• Quantitative, Data & Systems Development
  • Apply strong numerical and analytical skills to improve the robustness and efficiency of research outputs.
  • Automate and enhance analysis, manage datasets and develop repeatable research tools.
  • Actively explore and support the integration of AI and advanced analytics into research and performance workflows, in line with governance and compliance requirements.
  • Work closely with investment teams, distribution, risk and compliance to ensure research outputs are accurate, timely and well communicated.
  • Present analysis clearly in written and verbal form to a range of internal audiences.
  • Support ad hoc research projects and committee requests as required.
  • Perform role always ensuring adherence to the expected behaviours stated in the FCA Conduct Rules.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Technical & Analytical Skills
  • Strong quantitative and analytical capability, with confidence handling large datasets.
  • Experience or strong interest in passive investing, index methodologies and systematic strategies preferred.
  • Coding capability (e.g. Python, VBA, R or similar) or an appetite to develop this further.
  • Advanced Excel skills.
  • Familiarity with investment research platforms and data providers (Morningstar, Bloomberg, FactSet, DataStream) desirable.
• Personal Attributes
  • Highly analytical, intellectually curious and detail oriented with a genuine passion for financial markets.
  • Proactive mindset with the initiative to identify improvements and new ways of working.
  • Strong communication skills, able to translate complex analysis into clear insight.
  • Collaborative team player with the confidence to contribute views and challenge constructively.
• Qualifications & Experience
  • Degree educated, preferably in a STEM, quantitative or numerate discipline (e.g. mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, economics or similar).
  • CFA charter holder or significant progress toward completion is preferred.
  • Typically, 2–5 years’ experience in an investment research, asset management or related analytical role.
  • Exposure to multi asset investing, portfolio analysis or fund research preferred.