Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection in London

Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
CFA Institute

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research and analysis of fixed income managers to enhance investment strategies.
  • Company: Join a respected asset manager with a focus on innovative investment solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the finance world by shaping investment decisions.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in fixed income investing; CFA preferred; strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Octavius Finance is partnering with a highly regarded asset manager to appoint a Senior Research Analyst within its growing European Manager Research function. This role sits at the intersection of fundamental and quantitative investing, with a particular emphasis on fixed income manager research. The successful candidate will contribute across manager selection, investment due diligence, portfolio construction, and ongoing strategy monitoring, helping to maintain a high-conviction buy list covering both rates and credit strategies within a multi-manager investment platform.

Working closely with portfolio managers and investment research colleagues, the individual will play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and monitoring leading fixed income managers, supporting a robust investment framework and delivering strong client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the identification, evaluation, and due diligence of fixed income managers for inclusion on the approved buy list.
  • Conduct ongoing monitoring of existing managers and strategies, making recommendations for retention, removal, or new additions in line with governance processes.
  • Partner with portfolio managers to assess current allocations and evaluate prospective investment opportunities.
  • Support oversight of corporate and financial credit exposures across active and target-maturity fixed income portfolios.
  • Participate in primary market activity, including bond issuance analysis, valuation assessment, and market opportunity evaluation.
  • Contribute to credit research across investment grade, high yield, and subordinated debt markets using both fundamental and technical analysis techniques.
  • Generate and evaluate fixed income investment ideas, relative value opportunities and research initiatives, leveraging quantitative and data-driven methodologies where appropriate.
  • Analyse and oversee exposure to structured fixed income instruments, including derivatives such as IRS, TRS, and options used for portfolio construction and risk management.
  • Apply a quantamental investment approach, integrating quantitative insights with fundamental research to support investment decision-making.
  • Maintain and develop manager research databases, investment frameworks and fund selection processes.
  • Collaborate with wider investment teams on portfolio construction, asset allocation and strategic investment initiatives.
  • Work closely with compliance, legal and product teams to ensure adherence to internal governance and regulatory requirements.
  • Support broader investment research projects and strategic initiatives as required.
Key Requirements
  • Minimum 7 years' experience within fixed income investing, manager research, fund selection or a related investment discipline.
  • Degree educated with a relevant academic background; CFA Charterholder strongly preferred.
  • Deep understanding of fixed income markets, including rates, investment grade credit, high yield and subordinated debt.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skill set, with a sound understanding of portfolio and investment risk.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other core investment analysis tools.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective relationships across investment and business teams.
  • Experience applying quantitative techniques, data analysis or systematic approaches within fixed income investing would be advantageous.

Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection in London employer: CFA Institute

Octavius Finance is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the European Manager Research function. Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on professional development, with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that directly impact investment strategies and client outcomes. Located in a vibrant financial hub, the company promotes a culture of excellence and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for talented individuals seeking to advance their careers in fixed income investing.

CFA Institute

Contact Details:

CFA Institute Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection in London

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 CFA Institute, 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 CFA Institute.

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 CFA Institute.

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 CFA Institute, 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 Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection in London

Fixed Income Manager Research
Investment Due Diligence
Portfolio Construction
Strategy Monitoring
Credit Research
Quantitative Analysis
Data-Driven Methodologies

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 CFA Institute 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 CFA Institute.

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 CFA Institute 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 CFA Institute. Numbers speak louder than words!

How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Institute

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 CFA Institute 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 withCFA Institute.