Head of Investment Advice in Cardiff

Wales Pension Partnership is establishing a new FCA‑regulated investment management company to serve the eight Welsh Local Government Pension Scheme funds, managing over £25 billion in assets for 420,000 members. This represents a transformational opportunity to create a centre of excellence in LGPS investment management in Wales, contributing to a UK‑wide ambition to build a world‑class local government pension system, and delivering value to scheme members while supporting local economic growth and communities across Wales and the UK.

WPP IM Co will launch this year as a professionally staffed investment manager of around 30 people, headquartered in Wales and operating to the standards expected of leading global institutions. It will combine scale, rigour and resilience with a uniquely Welsh purpose – building long‑term value for members while mobilising capital for the wider benefit of society. The company’s strategy is to build on the success of the Wales Pension Partnership, expanding its investment and advisory capabilities within Wales and developing new opportunities for responsible and local investment. Over time, WPP IM Co aims to unlock wider economic, social and environmental benefits – supporting clean energy, affordable housing, innovation and the creation of high‑quality financial sector jobs – demonstrating how long‑term pension capital can serve both members and the communities they live in. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to help shape a new, enduring investment institution for Wales.

The Head of Investment Advice is responsible for delivery of high‑quality, strategic investment advice to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) clients. The role ensures that investment strategies are aligned with clients’ long‑term funding objectives, regulatory requirements, and fiduciary responsibilities. Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer, the role sits at the heart of the investment function, acting as a key liaison between clients, internal investment teams, and external stakeholders. The postholder will lead the development of investment advice frameworks, drive best practice, and support the delivery of strong, risk‑adjusted returns. Success in this role will be measured by the quality of advice provided, client satisfaction, effectiveness of investment strategies, and contribution to organisational growth and reputation. The role will be based in Cardiff, Wales (hybrid).

Main responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of strategic investment advice to LGPS clients
• Develop and maintain relationships between IM Co and Partner Funds
• Develop and maintain robust investment frameworks, including asset allocation and risk management
• Act as a trusted advisor to pension fund committees, boards, and senior stakeholders
• Translate complex investment concepts into clear, actionable recommendations
• Ensure alignment of investment strategies with regulatory requirements and fiduciary duties
• Collaborate closely with colleagues overseeing portfolio management, research, responsible investment, and risk to deliver integrated solutions
• Oversee the monitoring and performance reporting of client portfolios against objectives and benchmarks
• Management and resolution of Partner Funds’ queries and interactions between IM Co and Partner Funds
• Support development of systems to support the reporting and delivery of IM Co’s services to Partner Funds
• Lead and contribute to client meetings, presentations, and governance forums
• Drive continuous improvement in advisory processes, tools, and client service delivery
• Monitor market trends, economic developments, and regulatory changes, ensuring advice remains current and relevant

Skills and experience

• Significant experience in institutional investment management, with a strong focus on pensions (preferably LGPS)
• Proven track record in providing strategic investment advice and asset allocation recommendations
• Deep understanding of investment principles, including portfolio construction and risk management
• Strong knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks and governance requirements
• Experience engaging with pension fund trustees, committees, or similar governance bodies
• Demonstrated leadership experience and teamwork skills
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, FIA, or equivalent (preferred)
• Likely to be FCA authorised to give advice
• Strong understanding of asset liability modelling systems, specification of requirements, interpretation of outputs and creation of client‑friendly materials
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
• Experience with investment tools, analytics platforms, and performance reporting systems

Personal attributes

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire confidence and credibility
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and forward‑looking mindset
• High level of integrity and commitment to fiduciary responsibility
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively across teams
• Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Collegiate and collaborative, with the ability to work across multiple teams and priorities
• Motivated by public purpose and by the opportunity to build a lasting institution for Wales: global standards, Welsh purpose
• Willingness to travel across Wales when required

What we offer

• A role at the centre of the governance function of a newly established, FCA‑authorised investment management company
• Continuity of purpose: the opportunity to bring established LGPS governance expertise into a new institutional setting and help shape how it operates
• A clear path for growth as WPP IM Co develops, including increasing broader governance and compliance contributions
• A collaborative and purposeful culture with strong support from the executive team, the Board and Partner Funds
• A role based in Wales, contributing to the creation of high‑quality financial sector employment in the country