Manager, Research Investments

The role of Manager, Research Investments, based in Johannesburg, calls for a seasoned professional to drive Liberty's manager research initiatives. This position is integral to ensuring a robust and globally consistent approach to identifying and rating investment managers, ultimately informing critical portfolio decisions and fund selections. Success in this role hinges on a blend of quantitative analysis and qualitative insights into the people behind the investment strategies.

About the Role

This is a key position within the investment team, responsible for overseeing the manager research process from end to end. The incumbent will play a pivotal part in delivering well-supported ratings that guide strategic investment choices. The role demands a consistent application of the established manager research framework, ensuring all due diligence processes are meticulously followed. This involves coordinating the distribution and collection of crucial due diligence questionnaires (DDQs), a cornerstone of thorough evaluation. Furthermore, the role requires the arrangement and facilitation of meetings with investment managers, fostering open dialogue and in-depth understanding of their capabilities. A significant part of the responsibility lies in conducting thorough analysis of the information gathered, both from written responses and direct discussions, to extract actionable insights and formulate well-reasoned recommendations. These insights and recommendations will be presented to the Manager Research Committee, requiring clear and compelling communication.

The core responsibilities of this position revolve around the detailed investigation and assessment of investment managers. Key duties include:

• Applying a consistent global framework for manager research, integrating both quantitative and qualitative assessment methods.
• Coordinating the entire due diligence questionnaire (DDQ) process, from initial distribution to the meticulous collection and review of completed documents.
• Scheduling and leading meetings with potential and existing investment managers, probing their strategies, processes, and team dynamics.
• Conducting in-depth analysis of investment strategies, performance data, risk management approaches, and operational capabilities.
• Evaluating the qualitative aspects of an investment team, including their philosophy, culture, and stability.
• Synthesising complex information into clear, concise, and insightful research outputs.
• Presenting findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations to the Manager Research Committee, effectively influencing investment decisions.
• Contributing to the ongoing refinement of the manager research framework and processes.

What They're Looking For

Liberty is seeking an individual with a strong foundation in finance and investment analysis, coupled with demonstrable experience in manager research. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A tertiary qualification, such as a first degree, in fields like Finance and Accounting, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Analytics, or Quantitative Studies.
• A minimum of 5–7 years of experience in asset and portfolio management, with a specific focus on investment research or manager research.
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive due diligence, analyse intricate investment strategies, and produce high-quality research outputs.
• A substantial track record of interpreting data rationally, quantifying issues, and leveraging technology to evaluate information effectively.
• The capacity to objectively evaluate information and challenge assumptions.
• Strong behavioural competencies, including adopting practical approaches, articulating information clearly, challenging ideas constructively, meticulous attention to detail ("Checking Things"), and conveying self-confidence.
• Technical expertise in areas such as Active Investment Management, understanding investment challenges and assumptions, effective decision-making, evaluating risk management effectiveness, and performance benchmarking.

In South Africa, roles like Manager, Research Investments, are typically found within large financial institutions, asset management firms, and pension funds. Compensation can vary significantly based on the employer's size, the candidate's experience level, and the specific responsibilities, but a senior research role of this nature would generally command a competitive salary, often supplemented by performance-based bonuses. Career progression could lead to more senior research management positions, head of research roles, or portfolio management responsibilities.

Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: Finance and Accounting, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences Study Direction, Analytics, Quantitative Studies

Experience Required
Asset & Portfolio Management
Investment & Asset Management

5–7 years of experience in investment research or manager research

5–7 years demonstrated ability to conduct due diligence, analysis of investment strategies, and produce high-quality research outputs.

5–7 years in nterpreting data rationally by quantifying issues; applies technology as a means to evaluating data; evaluates information objectively.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Challenging Ideas
• Checking Things
• Conveying Self-Confidence

Technical Competencies:

• Active Investment Management
• Challenges thinking and assumptions
• Decision Making
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness
• Performance Benchmarking