Head of Investment Centre of Excellence in Wolverhampton

As the Head of Investment Centre of Excellence reporting to the CIO, you will work closely with the CIO to build and maintain a professional, high performing and forward-looking investment team. The successful candidate will influence the investor style and culture of LGPS Central Limited.

This is a key role, reporting directly to the CIO, with responsibilities including:

• Leading on strategic projects - Collaborate with the CIO and the investment team to develop and execute strategic initiatives, driving change and enhancements to meet the government’s Fit for the Future requirements.
• Overseeing the Investment Centre of Excellence - Responsible for overseeing our new investment “Centre of Excellence” including Investment Oversight, Manager Monitoring & Research, Trading & Execution and Local Investing.
• Ensuring LGPS Central’s investments meet Partner Fund needs - Integral to ensuring a close link between the investment team and Partner Funds’ investment requirements.
• Directly supporting the CIO - Support the CIO in day-to-day responsibilities including drafting papers and key documentation.

This role is a certified role under the Senior Manager’s Certification Regime and will be subject to assessments in Fitness and Propriety and any other regulatory requirements.

As Head of Investment Centre of Excellence you will:

• Lead on design of asset class solutions, ensuring robust input from the investment team.
• Implement a new organisational structure and processes for the investment team.
• Strengthen the integration of responsible investment into investment decision making.
• Drive investment and operational innovation across investment teams.
• Oversee the Investment Centre of Excellence, including direct line management responsibility for Fund Oversight & Strategy Manager.
• Set clear objectives for people and teams, developing, implementing and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Provide leadership and mentorship to team members, identifying training and development needs.
• Support investment teams to develop and deliver a robust and transparent decision-making and reporting process.
• Work with the Responsible Investment & Stewardship Team to integrate responsible investment into the investment process and culture.

Other responsibilities include acting as a trusted advisor to the CIO, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and preparing presentations for critical meetings.

LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA-regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands, managing £45bn+ of their assets. The Company is committed to responsible investment and offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid-working environment with a range of employee benefits.

Requirements include:

• Problem solving skills and ability to manage multiple complex projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in conducting in-depth analysis and developing business plans.
• Market acknowledged investment leader and subject matter expert.
• Excellent communication and relationship skills.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and changing environment.
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity, and gravitas.

Qualifications include CFA or equivalent qualification and preferably a degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

We offer a competitive salary, an enhanced pension scheme, 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays, excellent learning and development opportunities, and various employee benefits.