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 focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a range of tailored benefits for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunities and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial world while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in fixed income portfolios and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with Santander UK, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
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 DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
Santander Asset Management are looking for a Senior Portfolio Manager (Sterling Bond Fund), based out of London. 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.
We're shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. 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.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We're enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring. The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- 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.
Education
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.
WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT
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.
How we'll reward you.
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.
OUR COMMITMENT
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.
Right to work in the UK
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.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Portfolio Manager | Sterling Credit | SAM UK | 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 Santander UK, 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 Santander UK.
✨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 Santander UK.
✨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 Santander UK, 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 Portfolio Manager | Sterling Credit | SAM UK | London
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 Santander UK 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 Santander UK.
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 Santander UK 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 Santander UK. Numbers speak louder than words!
How to prepare for a job interview at Santander UK
✨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 Santander UK 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 withSantander UK.