Portfolio Manager - Index Alternatives in London

Portfolio Manager - Index Alternatives in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
CFA Institute

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage portfolios, execute trades, and contribute to product development in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join UBS, a leading global wealth manager with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive team.
  • Other info: Work closely with diverse teams and engage directly with clients.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in portfolio management while exploring innovative investment strategies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in portfolio management and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

Your role

Are you looking for a role that combines day-to-day portfolio management with longer-term initiatives, including research, product development and platform enhancement across the full range of portfolios? Depending on your experience, you will progressively take responsibility for portfolio management, investment decisions and client engagement.

We are looking for Portfolio Manager Index Alternatives - ETFs, Structured Solutions & Commodities help us in the following areas:

  • Portfolio Management & Implementation
    • Manage or contribute to the day-to-day running of ETF, index and derivative-based portfolios, in accordance with investment objectives and risk guidelines.
    • Generate and execute trades across securities, futures, swaps and structured instruments, including management of cash flows, rebalancing and currency hedging.
    • Monitor performance, attribution, liquidity and alignment with benchmarks.
  • Product Development & Research
    • Contribute to the development and enhancement of index strategies, ETFs and structured investment solutions, including input into product design and implementation.
    • Support and, where appropriate, lead aspects of new product launches and strategy evolution.
    • Conduct market research and competitor analysis to inform positioning and development priorities.
    • Produce investment insights and supporting materials, contributing to the teams' intellectual capital.
  • Collaboration & Platform Development
    • Work closely with trading, structuring, sales, operations and technology teams, acting as a point of coordination across functions.
    • Contribute to the firm's One Bank approach, connecting investment capabilities with structuring, execution and distribution.
    • Identify and drive improvements in portfolio management tools, analytics and processes, supporting scalability and efficiency.
  • Risk & Client Contribution
    • Monitor market, liquidity and derivative risks, including scenario analysis where appropriate.
    • Act as a subject matter expert for strategies and products, providing performance analysis and investment insights.
    • Contribute to and participate in client discussions, due diligence and sales processes, supporting clear communication of investment strategies.

Join us

At UBS, we know that it's our people, with their diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds, who drive our ongoing success. We're dedicated to our craft and passionate about putting our people first, with new challenges, a supportive team, opportunities to grow and flexible working options when possible. Our inclusive culture brings out the best in our employees, wherever they are on their career journey. And we use artificial intelligence (AI) to work smarter and more efficiently. We also recognize that great work is never done alone. That's why collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Because together, we're more than ourselves. We're committed to disability inclusion and if you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.

Your team

You’ll be working in the Index Alternatives team in London, within UBS Asset Management. The team manages a range of systematic, rules-based strategies across portfolios including synthetic ETFs, physical commodity funds, structured solutions and multi-asset strategies. You will report to the Head of Index Alternatives and work closely with trading, structuring, sales, operations and technology teams.

Your expertise

  • Experience in portfolio management, ETF management or index investing.
  • Strong knowledge of derivatives, including futures, swaps, options and OTC instruments.
  • Understanding of systematic investment / QIS frameworks, portfolio construction and risk management techniques.
  • Market structure, liquidity and execution across listed and OTC instruments.
  • ETF ecosystem, index implementation and replication methodologies (physical and synthetic).
  • Experience managing rebalancing, cash flows and tracking error.
  • Strong technical skills, including Excel and Bloomberg for analysis, data interpretation and portfolio monitoring.
  • Working knowledge of Python and/or SQL, with experience supporting data-driven workflows, automation and analytics.
  • Exposure to data science techniques, data visualisation and scalable analytical tools.

Additional qualifications (preferred)

  • Professional certifications such as CFA, CAIA or CQF (completed or in progress).
  • Additional language skills.

You are:

  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with a disciplined approach to portfolio management.
  • Comfortable working in fast-moving market environments.
  • Collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across functions.
  • A clear communicator, able to explain investment concepts concisely.
  • Organised and able to balance day-to-day responsibilities and longer-term initiatives.
  • Curious to explore how AI can improve how we build, deliver, and optimize workflows.

Differentiating factors:

  • Experience managing or contributing to live portfolios.
  • Familiarity with index construction, replication methodologies or structured products.
  • Experience engaging with clients or supporting distribution efforts.
  • Track record contributing to product development, research or platform improvements.

About us

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. We also provide diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, UBS is present in more than 50 markets around the globe.

Portfolio Manager - Index Alternatives in London employer: CFA Institute

M&G plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package including an 18% pension scheme, generous annual leave, and robust family support policies. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to our mission of providing confidence in financial solutions. Located in a vibrant area, we embrace flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

CFA Institute

Contact Details:

CFA Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager - Index Alternatives in London

Tap into Campus Networks

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Get Certified

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We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager - Index Alternatives in London

Portfolio Management
ETF Management
Index Investing
Derivatives Knowledge
Futures
Swaps
Options

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CFA Institute.

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How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Institute

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

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Show Your Passion for Finance

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