Social Research Lead – London Based Asset Manager

Octavius Finance is partnering with a leading investment manager to appoint a Social Research Lead within its responsible investment platform.

This is an opportunity for an experienced ESG or responsible investment professional to take ownership of the firm’s social research agenda, working closely with investment teams to identify the issues most relevant to long-term company performance and translate them into actionable investment insight.

The role has a genuine investment focus. Rather than sitting solely within a policy or corporate sustainability function, the successful individual will be expected to bring independent research and investment judgement to social themes, challenge existing thinking and help influence how these factors are assessed across the firm’s portfolios.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate will become a key point of expertise on social issues, developing research that can be used directly by portfolio managers and analysts.

The remit is broad and will encompass areas such as human capital, workforce practices, supply chains, diversity, health and safety, customer issues and other material social risks and opportunities. The role will also have an important engagement component, using research to support constructive dialogue with companies and assess progress over time.

There is scope to develop the remit further as the firm’s approach to social research evolves, making this particularly attractive to someone who wants to build rather than simply maintain an established framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building a differentiated view on the social issues that matter most to companies, sectors and investors.
• Developing thematic and company-level research and turning complex information into clear investment conclusions.
• Working directly with portfolio managers and analysts to incorporate social considerations into fundamental investment decisions.
• Identifying emerging trends and controversies that could create material risks or opportunities for portfolio companies.
• Supporting and leading engagement with companies, using research to challenge management teams and assess the quality of their response.
• Helping shape the firm’s broader approach to social research, stewardship and responsible investment.
• Communicating findings internally and contributing to the firm’s external thinking and thought leadership.
• Building strong relationships across the investment organisation and becoming the internal specialist on social issues.

Role Requirements

• ~ 5+ Years in ESG, responsible investment or sustainability research, ideally with a focus on social issues.
• Strong understanding of social and human capital factors and their relevance to company fundamentals and investment performance.
• Proven ability to conduct in-depth thematic and company-level research and develop differentiated investment views.
• Experience translating ESG / sustainability analysis into actionable investment insights.
• Exposure to company engagement and stewardship, including engaging with management teams on material social issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present findings to senior investment professionals.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Portfolio Managers, analysts and wider investment teams.

To apply, please send your CV to [email protected]