At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment strategy and oversee a diverse multi-asset portfolio.
- Company: A leading UK financial services organisation with a strong growth track record.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and significant visibility across the business.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence sustainability initiatives and develop a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Shape investment strategy at an executive level in a transformative organisation.
- Qualifications: Senior investment experience with strong governance and risk management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A leading UK financial services organisation is seeking an experienced investment leader to take ownership of its customer and shareholder investment strategy, overseeing a substantial multi-asset portfolio within a highly regulated environment. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-established, acquisitive business with a strong balance sheet, significant assets under management and a track record of sustained growth.
Reporting directly to the CFO and operating as a member of the Finance Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping investment strategy, balance sheet optimisation, governance, sustainability initiatives and M&A activity.
The Opportunity
The Head of Investments will be responsible for leading investment strategy across customer and shareholder assets, ensuring portfolios are optimised within agreed risk appetite whilst supporting broader corporate objectives. The role combines strategic investment leadership with oversight of outsourced investment managers, asset liability management, governance, sustainability and transaction support.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing investment strategy and asset allocation frameworks.
- Providing oversight and challenge to external investment managers and advisers.
- Leading investment governance, policy development and committee reporting.
- Driving investment risk management and balance sheet optimisation initiatives.
- Supporting corporate transactions, integrations and investment-related due diligence.
- Leading sustainability-related investment initiatives and embedding ESG considerations into decision making.
- Managing key relationships across Finance, Risk, executive leadership and external partners.
- Leading and developing a small, high-performing investments team.
Candidate Profile
We are interested in speaking with senior investment professionals who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience leading customer and/or shareholder investment strategies across diversified portfolios.
- A strong understanding of investment risk management and governance frameworks.
- Experience overseeing third-party investment managers and service providers.
- Asset Liability Management (ALM) expertise, ideally gained within a regulated financial services environment.
- Strong executive communication skills with experience presenting to Boards, Committees and senior stakeholders.
- A track record of influencing strategic decision-making and delivering commercial outcomes.
- Leadership experience with the ability to develop teams and build stakeholder credibility.
- Experience within life insurance, pensions, long-term savings or broader institutional investment environments would be particularly attractive.
- Professional qualifications such as CFA, FIA/FFA, CAIA, ACCA or CIMA are welcomed but not essential.
Why Consider This Role?
This position offers the opportunity to influence investment strategy at executive level within a growing, complex organisation undergoing continued transformation and strategic development. The successful candidate will have significant visibility across the business and play a key role in investment performance, sustainability initiatives and future corporate transactions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Investments - Life & Pensions in England
✨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 IGA Talent Solutions, 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 IGA Talent Solutions.
✨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 IGA Talent Solutions.
✨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 IGA Talent Solutions, 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 Head of Investments - Life & Pensions in England
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 IGA Talent Solutions 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 IGA Talent Solutions.
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 IGA Talent Solutions 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 IGA Talent Solutions. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at IGA Talent Solutions
✨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 IGA Talent Solutions 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 withIGA Talent Solutions.
