Manager Research Analyst

Job Description Manager Research Analyst About Us Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions. We aim to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. We serve a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.

Established in 1804, we have around 5,500 people across 36 global locations. Schroders’ success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies.

The base We moved into our new HQ in the City of London in 2018. We’re close to our clients, in the heart of the UK’s financial centre and we have everything we need to work flexibly.

The team The Manager Research Team research third party funds to support various stakeholders at Schroders around the world. We are part of Schroder Investment Management, the main asset management entity in the Schroder group. Businesses that we support include Multi Asset Investments, Schroders Solutions, and Schroder GAIA.

The range of strategies and vehicles that we research spans from passive funds such as ETFs and index funds through to alternatives in both investment trusts and open-ended structures such as UCITS and non UCITS hedge funds.

What You’ll Do As a Manager Research Analyst, you will be required to undertake original qualitative and quantitative research into third party fund managers, specifically across equity strategies, according to the needs of the business. You will conduct searches for investment opportunities, conduct comprehensive Investment Due Diligence (IDD) and monitor held or approved funds.

You will be a member of the Manager Selection Investment Committee, presenting your research and providing a peer review for the work of others. The team adopts a non-siloed approach to coverage, but the team would benefit from a candidate with a strong understanding of equity markets, strategies and instruments.

We are interested to meet candidates with experience in selecting and monitoring funds using quantitative techniques, in addition to core skills in qualitative research.

Main Duties And Overall Responsibilities

• Be the named analyst accountable for funds under your coverage.
• Monitor existing holdings, with appropriate written research.
• Conduct research on additional or replacement investments starting with an initial brief from the portfolio managers.
• Update the team and portfolio managers on developments in the funds / managers/ strategies under your coverage.
• Arrange and typically lead face-to-face meetings with fund managers, with relevant preparation.
• Produce ongoing contact notes and opinions to relevant stakeholders via our central research database.
• Analyse the ESG integration and stewardship activities of fund houses and their strategies. Engage with Fund Houses to increase their ESG efforts.
• Provide peer review as a member of the Manager Selection Investment Committee.
• Assist in the general running of our investment committee.
• Maintain data quality on funds under coverage, liaising with our external data team as needed.
• Represent manager research to clients and prospects as required.
• Collaborate across the Schroder group.

The Knowledge, Experience And Qualifications You Need

• Experience in evaluating and monitoring third party managers via both desk-based research and face-to-face interviews.
• Willingness to express overall opinions about funds and managers supported by analysis of their specific strengths and weaknesses.
• Existing knowledge of the fund/ manager universe.
• Knowledge of ESG practices.
• Curiosity about the investment world and a desire to grow.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in identifying suitable opportunities, whilst maintaining a strong team ethic and transparent approach.
• Excellent written and presentation skills, including use of Word, Excel & PowerPoint.
• Excellent organisational skills and diligence.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to challenge colleagues’ opinions in a constructive manner and receptiveness to feedback.
• Practical experience of analytical tools such as Morningstar, Refiniti…