IFSL is part of the rapidly growing Marlborough Group that manages more than £10 billion for clients alongside some of the UK’s most respected fund managers. The group employs over 200 people and has its headquarters in the North West and offices in London, Staffordshire, Cambridgeshire, Guernsey, and Dublin.

IFSL’s success has been built on a reputation for high standards of service quality, industry knowledge, product understanding and added value for our investors and partners.

As we continue with our ambitious growth plans, we are looking for talented financial services professionals who share our values and can help us ensure they remain at the heart of the business. That means putting our investors at the forefront of everything we do and constantly striving for excellence in the service we deliver.

In addition to receiving a comprehensive benefits package, successful candidates will join a team who are committed to collaborative working in an environment where personal and professional development are genuinely valued.

Role Purpose

The purpose of this exciting and challenging role is to lead the review and analysis of our externally appointed investment managers, their investment management capabilities and their portfolio management outcomes. The successful candidate will ensure that we have robust and effective analysis of our investment fund portfolios, a good understanding of our externally appointed investment managers and be an adviser to the business on product development and design for clients. As an articulate communicator with an approachable manner, the Head of Investment Oversight will liaise frequently with stakeholders throughout the business and externally.

This role can be based from Bolton, Peterborough or London. Consideration will also be given to applicants who would like to consider a 3 day working week.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead on the analysis and reporting for new and existing investment strategies designed with, and managed by, our externally appointed investment managers.
• Analyse and challenge ongoing performance outcomes and make recommendations for change, where appropriate.
• Oversee the fund portfolios to ensure their risk is being appropriately managed and that they meet the prescribed investment limits and expected investor outcomes.
• Review and report on the investment capabilities of our externally appointed investment managers.
• Provide essential analysis, conclusions and recommendations on investment outcomes as a key member of the Value Assessment Committee.
• Assist the business in assessing the capabilities of externally appointed investment managers.
• Work directly with external investment managers to design, stress test, and create mandates for new and developing funds.
• Ensure effective product governance measures are taken and that good investor outcomes are central to the design and running of investment product portfolios.
• To advise the board, senior management and operational units on investment strategies and their implementation.
• Reports directly to the Co-CEO and will consult with, present to and liaise with stakeholders across our organisation and externally.
• The successful candidate will work across teams to develop new products and ensure the business is able to effectively manage and oversee its investments within the set risk appetite.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Keep up to date with regulatory and industry changes and analyse their impact on our investment products.
• To lead the investment oversight function with respect to projects, investment research, creating presentations and spreadsheets.
• Assist and advise operational and oversight teams as they manage valuation, risk monitoring and general oversight.
• Take part in industry committees and events to keep abreast of market developments, themes and emerging risks and opportunities.
• Produce presentations to internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Understanding and considering the application of common derivative instruments and strategies
• Carrying out any other appropriate duties as requested by the Co-CEO.

Essential Skills:

• A strong understanding of portfolio management generally.
• A good understanding of a broad range of investment strategies as utilised by FCA regulated funds.
• A good, demonstrable understanding of derivative strategies encompassing equities, indices, and currencies.
• Excellent analytical skills and familiarity with various investment tools and systems.

Beneficial Skills:

• Ability to use Bloomberg, Morningstar, StatPro and FE systems.

Essential Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent) or able to demonstrate equivalent level of experience.
• IMC or equivalent, recognised Level 4 qualification delivering threshold competency for investment management and front office professionals.

Beneficial Qualifications:

• CFA

Essential Experience:

• Investment management experience in a portfolio management, analysis, or oversight role.

Beneficial Experience:

• Previous certificated investment role.
• Familiarity with the FCA PROD, COLL and COBS rules

Personal Qualities:

• Confident and articulate communicator
• Collaborative approach

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
• 9% non-contributory pension
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• Private Healthcare Scheme
• Death in Service at 5 x annual salary
• 35 hour working week
• Training for IOC and other relevant qualifications
• Exam completion bonus £500 (IOC)
• Study leave
• Cycle 2 work scheme
• Eye test reimbursement
• Your birthday off
• Christmas party and paid for social events during the year
• 13 weeks fully paid maternity leave
• 2 weeks fully paid paternity leave
• Perkbox membership - access to more than a hundred rewards, ranging from free food in major UK restaurants, to movie tickets, to phone insurance and more.

We also offer the usual standard benefits such as discretionary sick pay, statutory maternity leave, bereavement leave and flexible working arrangements where practical.