Director - Manager Research, Multi-Manager Solutions

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

You'll find the promise we make to our clients is the same one we make to our employees: Your success is our priority.

Here, you'll find growth and career opportunities across all our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,000 people working together. Our expertise is diverse with more than 450 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies and we have the capability to build tailored solutions matched to clients' specific requirements.

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business and we recognise that our success is due to our talented and dedicated people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive work environment that supports the diversity of our employees and reflects our broader communities and client-base. We encourage applications from returners to the industry.

We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.

Job Purpose Statement

You will be responsible for conducting research and selection/oversight of investment managers to be used in Columbia Threadneedle's open architecture investment solutions as well as helping globalize and extend our $70+ billion USD Multi-Manager platform footprint. This position conducts investment manager research and selection through a rigorous due diligence process for all investment managers in assigned coverage area.

You will have strong background in alternative investment strategies, with specific focus on private debt, listed/unlisted real estate and/or listed/unlisted infrastructure managers. You must be able to independently manage search/selection activity and oversight of managers in a broad universe of asset classes. You will also recommend and implement enhancements to manager screening, research and analytical processes with the goal of continuous improvement.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as lead analyst representing Columbia Threadneedle Investments in due diligence discussions with investment managers, with specific focus on private debt, listed/unlisted real estate and/or listed/unlisted infrastructure managers.
• Lead the subadvisor/multi-manager selection and due diligence process within assigned asset classes, including collaboration with cross-organizational groups tasked with decision making. Engage all stakeholders in the process while leading toward a consensus-based decision.
• Deep understanding of and experience analyzing alternative investment strategies, including private assets.
• Lead the investment component of initial and ongoing due diligence with investment team at current and prospective investment managers. Structure interviews with investment staff including CIO, PM, Analysts, and Traders; doing so in a balanced fashion that obtains valuable insight quickly while maintaining a positive tone in light of challenging and difficult questions.
• Present investment ideas and review existing portfolios directly with our clients in various global markets (UK, Netherlands, US).
• Develop quantitative and reporting tools to objectively evaluate sub-advisory/multi-manager platform and screening processes with goal of finding areas for improvement.
• Work with portfolio management teams to support portfolio construction process, including optimal manager weightings, identifying manager factor exposures, attribution analysis, etc.
• Lead internal quarterly investment due diligence process for strategies serving as lead analyst. This includes manager recommendations (terminate or continue) and develop analysis to support the recommendation. Identify key facts and insights, sorting through significant information to do so.
• Lead development of materials for the various governance bodies overseeing our business, responsible for the accuracy for all content of internally prepared materials and investment manager-prepared materials.
• Monitor trends in the capital markets, competitors, changes in people and ownership.
• Work with clients and consultants to develop investment guidelines and parameters to inform research and search efforts.
• Perform ad-hoc and ongoing surveillance of multi-managed funds' performance, people, process, and culture.

Key Capabilities

• Extensive investment management experience, with extensive background in private debt, listed/unlisted real estate and/or listed/unlisted infrastructure
• Deep understanding of various investment processes and organizational models employed throughout the asset management industry, and ability to compare current candidates with best-in-class firms.
• Ability to communicate complex and abstract concepts clearly and concisely, both written and verbally.
• Ability to interact with personnel at all levels of asset management and consultant firms and represent Columbia Threadneedle Investments in a highly professional manner.
• Thorough familiarity with major analytical tools employed by analysts (FactSet, Aladdin, eVestment, Bloomberg, Morningstar, etc.)

Desired Capabilities

• Multi-manager research/selection experience.
• Proficient in Dutch language, to allow for seamless communication with our large Dutch client base
• Progress towards or interest in pursuing Master's degree and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Designation.