Senior Investment Specialist/Investment Director

At M&G our purpose is to help people manage and grow their savings and investments, responsibly. As a business, we are continuing to take steps towards a sustainable future, delivering better long-term solutions for our customers and clients and identifying new opportunities to make a positive impact for our environment and communities . To help us achieve our vision we're looking for exceptional people who live our values of care and integrity and who can inspire others; embrace change; deliver results and keep it simple.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer work place accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

The Role:

The M&G Public Fixed Income team (PFI) manages c.£112bn of assets for a very broad range of clients. These include pension funds, insurance companies, charities, discretionary portfolio managers, wealth managers and financial advisers, to name but a few. The team offers a wide range of Euro, Sterling and Global strategies, covering Sovereign, Investment Grade credit, High Yield, Emerging Markets, Buy and Maintain and Total Return strategies, across the full range of credit asset classes, ratings and structures. The primary focus of the Investment Specialist team is to work alongside the investment team and sales to deliver clear messaging around product, investment approach and strategy that will deliver growth in the business. The team has continued to evolve as the business has grown; we are now seeking to add further members to our team.

We are looking for an experienced Investment Director to work in the Public Fixed Income team in London, with a focus on the Global Macro Bond fund range. The primary focus of the Investment Specialist team is working with the portfolio managers to articulate the investment process and strategy to clients and their advisers, and to facilitate the growth of the business through direct support of the sales process. Investment specialists act as a bridge between the Investment team and the wider internal stakeholders, and consequently work closely with sales and distribution to focus the sales effort through timely provision of sales materials, presentations and thought pieces, and through delivery of client updates and new business presentations. This requires significant investment knowledge and an understanding of the client base and their approach to asset allocation.

We seek a candidate who is proactive by nature, articulate, has intellectual curiosity and a willingness to learn, and above all is self-starter and team player

• Financial services experience; previous experience as a Senior Investment Specialist desired.
• Knowledge of macroeconomic dynamics, interest rates, FX and sovereign debt markets.
• Highly articulate, able to distil and communicate the key investment messages to a range of audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable with public speaking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently act as a "proxy" for fund managers and main investment contact for internal and external stakeholders for the Global Macro fund range and seg accounts.
• Articulate the team's macroeconomic views, investment philosophy, process, performance and fund positioning based on nature of client and size of audience.
• Work closely with the Fund Management team to understand the broader range of fixed income strategies ensuring they are represented commercially and accurately in client meetings, conferences and/or roadshows.
• Stay abreast of market trends and the competitive landscape, along with the relative positioning vs peer groups.
• Contribute as needed to investment commentaries and thought leadership pieces. Collaborate with the broader Investment Specialist team to share market information and investment debate
• Create and facilitate investment content ensuring client messages are impactful and relevant across our client base.
• Build strong relationships with Distribution teams and acting as the primary contact for training and client requirements relating to the investment proposition.
• Develop a network of successful working relationships across internal stakeholders such as the RFP team, Mandate Development team, Performance & Risk functions, Press, Marketing and Sustainable & Stewardship teams.

Key Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Financial services experience; previous experience as an Investment Specialist desired.
• Bachelor's degree required; CFA or advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge of macroeconomic dynamics, interest rates, FX and sovereign debt market.
• Highly articulate, able to distil and communicate the key investment messages to a range of audiences.
• Good understanding of the UK and European asset management industry and key players.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, comfortable with public speaking.
• Flexible, resourceful, and proactive.
• Experience using Power BI, Aladdin and/or Bloomberg.
• Availability to travel.

Work Level: Manager or Expert

Recruiter: Emily Northcott

Closing Date: 26th January 2023

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality or disability we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.