At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the management of a £1bn Sterling bond fund and develop investment strategies.
- Company: Join Santander Asset Management, a global leader in asset management with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a range of tailored benefits for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting your growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the finance world while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fixed income portfolios and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Santander Asset Management (SAM) is a €280bn global asset manager operating across 10 countries and with more than 50 years of experience. SAM combines the best of complementary worlds, technology and expertise, to provide optimal solutions for clients. We deliver a simple, innovative and transparent service with a sole objective: offer our clients a comprehensive range of products with the right balance between risk and return.
As SAM UK, we are building a more commercially focussed, customer first, growth asset manager to serve the local market, providing solutions to meet UK customers and institutions. Our behaviours underpin everything we do; we think clients, embrace change, act now, move together and speak up.
The Senior Portfolio Manager, Sterling Bond Fund will lead the management of an in-housed £1bn Sterling bond mandate, based in London with a UK and global remit. This is a senior role combining investment leadership with commercial responsibility. You will hold lead portfolio management responsibility for the Sterling bond strategy, pairing strong portfolio construction and credit analysis capabilities with the seniority to help build the business, engaging directly with retail and institutional clients and acting as a senior face for our UK fixed income franchise.
You will work closely with, and leverage, our existing bond credit and macro teams in Madrid and globally, ensuring the UK strategy is fully integrated with the firm’s wider fixed income research and risk infrastructure. You will be expected to bring local, direct fixed income expertise that can also be deployed across institutional mandates, including insurance.
Beyond day-to-day portfolio management, the role carries clear business-building expectations: growing the fund, supporting the launch of new products, and developing our UK fixed income offering across both retail and institutional channels.
To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for:
- Lead the investment management of the £1bn Sterling Bond Fund, with overall responsibility for portfolio performance, construction and risk management.
- Develop and implement investment strategies through rigorous credit analysis, macroeconomic assessment and portfolio optimisation.
- Collaborate with UK and global fixed income teams to leverage research, credit insights and risk management capabilities.
- Represent the Sterling Bond strategy internally and externally, acting as a senior point of contact for retail, institutional and insurance clients.
- Drive the growth of the Sterling Bond Fund by supporting business development initiatives, client engagement and the launch of new fixed income products.
- Provide fixed income expertise across institutional mandates, contributing to broader investment solutions and strategic initiatives.
- Ensure investment activities are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, internal governance standards and the firm's investment philosophy.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the UK fixed income franchise, supporting the firm's long-term growth strategy and strengthening its market presence.
Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role:
- Extensive experience managing Sterling fixed income portfolios, with a strong track record in portfolio construction, credit analysis and delivering investment performance.
- In-depth knowledge of fixed income markets, including government and corporate bonds, interest rate risk, credit risk and macroeconomic drivers.
- Strong analytical and investment decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex market information and translate it into effective investment strategies.
- Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with institutional and retail clients, acting as a credible representative of the investment strategy.
- Experience working collaboratively within global investment teams and contributing to business growth through product development, client engagement and strategic initiatives.
Whilst a degree is not essential for the role provided there is a strong professional track record in fixed income portfolios, it is considered advantageous for the role holder to have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Mathematics, or related disciplines. Professional certifications such as CFA, CAIA, or equivalent will be considered highly desirable.
At Santander Asset Management, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return. Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you make for our clients, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.
We know rewards go beyond numbers. Our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your wellbeing, now and into the future. As well as a competitive salary and performance-related bonus, we offer a wide range of benefits that you can choose from and tailor to your needs.
At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation. We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates. We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.
Every individual must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander either by way of nationality, visa or work permit. If you do require a working visa / permit this will not influence our decision on whether to progress your application. However, if you do not have a right to work, or an application for a working visa / permit is unsuccessful, Santander will not proceed with your application and will withdraw any conditional offer previously made.
If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply. If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.
Senior Portfolio Manager | Sterling Credit | SAM UK | London employer: Santander Asset Management UK Limited
At Santander Asset Management, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Our London office offers a dynamic work culture where employees are empowered to explore new ideas and contribute to meaningful projects, all while enjoying a competitive salary and tailored benefits. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and professional development, we ensure that every team member feels valued and supported in their journey with us.
Contact Details:
Santander Asset Management UK Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Portfolio Manager | Sterling Credit | SAM UK | London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Santander Asset Management UK Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Portfolio Manager | Sterling Credit | SAM UK | London
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 Santander Asset Management UK Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Santander Asset Management UK Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander Asset Management UK Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Santander Asset Management UK Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Santander Asset Management UK Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Santander Asset Management UK Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
