Portfolio Manager\'s Assistant - ETF

In this entry level role, you will support the launch and growth of the ETF business in EMEA, initially focusing on Active Equity ETFs with expected expansion into Fixed Income ETFs. This position serves as a key liaison between Investment Teams and internal business partners, providing operational and administrative support to ensure smooth Active ETF operations.

How you'll spend your time:

• Execute daily portfolio validation and monitoring processes by performing morning validation checks, monitoring automated reporting for exceptions, and tracking cash positions and flows to ensure accurate portfolio operations and identify issues requiring immediate attention.
• Support portfolio management decision‑making by analyzing fund performance versus benchmarks, monitoring tracking error, and investigating model/benchmark deviations to provide Portfolio Managers with critical performance analytics and risk insights.
• Implement trading and rebalancing activities by raising orders in Aladdin, acting as “Second Set of Eyes” for Portfolio Managers, executing market orders, and managing corporate actions to ensure accurate trade execution and portfolio alignment with investment objectives.
• Manage ETF creation/redemption operations by supporting basket composition, reviewing redemption processes, and coordinating with Authorized Participants and custodians to maintain efficient ETF liquidity and minimize tracking error.
• Provide operational support and issue resolution by troubleshooting settlement issues, monitoring partial fills, and liaising with internal operations teams and external counterparties to ensure smooth daily operations and minimize operational risk.
• Execute risk management and compliance oversight by collaborating with first and second line risk teams, raising Risk Events (REVs) when necessary, and working within operational frameworks to maintain regulatory compliance and identify potential risks.
• Drive process improvement and documentation initiatives by identifying automation opportunities, developing standard operating procedures, and maintaining process documentation to enhance operational efficiency and support business continuity requirements.
• Support business expansion and cross‑regional collaboration by providing mutual coverage within the Global PMA team, assisting with system testing and upgrades, and preparing for expanded coverage of Active Equity and Fixed Income ETFs to enable scalable growth across regions.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with ability to multi‑task and prioritise
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment
• Task‑oriented with focus on deadlines and follow‑ups
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams
• Inquisitive mindset and continuous learner
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

It would be great if you also had:

• Financial services industry experience (preferred)
• Experience with risk, attribution, or order management systems (a plus)
• Understanding of Active ETFs, investment strategies, and market dynamics (helpful but not essential)
• Aladdin OMS experience (desirable but not essential)
• Familiarity with portfolio optimisation and risk models (preferred)
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio)
• Experience with process automation tools (preferred but not essential)
• Data science capabilities (preferred)

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments: Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,500 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 650 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace that supports diversity and reflects our broader communities and client base. We appreciate that work‑life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.