Portfolio Analyst, CPS, Overlay Solutions (9 month FTC)

Role Summary

Russell Investments Implementation Services Limited (RIISL) is a UK regulated firm, part of the global Russell Group. RIISL associates work closely with other members of the global RIIS team, and provide innovative products and services aimed at lowering the cost and risk of implementing changes to pools of assets, including Russell funds and external clients. In addition to Overlay Solutions (OS), the current offering includes services such as Transition Management (TM), Enhanced Portfolio Implementation (EPI), and Execution Services (ES).

This role requires the person to train as a product expert in ongoing management of client portfolios, evaluating overlay effectiveness and reporting performance to clients. This person will assist with the designing and recommendation of complex portfolio strategies and adjustments to existing strategies. This associate will require strong project and relationship management skills and must demonstrate a high attention to detail.

This role is a 9 month fixed term contract.

Key responsibilities:

Regulatory & business conduct

• Displaying exemplary conduct and living by our organisation’s Code of Conduct.
• Taking personal responsibility for embedding the highest standards of ethics, including regulatory and business conduct across the business.
• Effectively and collaboratively identifying, escalating, mitigating and resolving risk, conduct and compliance.

Client Service

• Developing a close working relationship with EMEA Overlay Solutions clients and developing an in-depth knowledge of their portfolios and any changes that occur.
• Assisting in the recommendation of efficient and effective solutions to clients.
• Explaining the analyst role in the overlay management process to a prospective client and internal sales associates.

Team Support

• As a member of the OS EMEA team, acting as a resource for all groups involved in the Overlay Solutions process. This includes acting as a liaison between the EMEA, Mumbai, and US teams.
• Broadening focus beyond OS to include increased involvement for all RIIS services, with a particular focus upon FX, TM, and EPI. This includes increased interaction with respect to strategy formulation.
• Working with peers across portfolio management, trading, operations and client service, to deliver on portfolio requirements and client expectations.

Trade Support

• Managing risk controls and processes for accessing, validating, and adjusting custodian data.
• Ensuring adequate account capital levels and instructing / approving trades.
• Managing the setup process before live trading begins for new clients. This includes working with other Analysts to sort through data issues, systems set-up, and communicating successful completion of this process to the client.
• Preparing for the instruction of daily trades consistent with each client’s investment guidelines. Evaluation criteria includes a zero tolerance for trade issues.

Reporting

• Monitoring, evaluating and presenting results (performance, attribution, risk, etc.) of our investment management activities to clients, their consultant, and other interested parties. 
• Ensuring stakeholders understand the full benefit of all RIIS services.

Process Improvement

• Managing successful interactions with peers and improving the overall portfolio management process through documentation and procedural updates.

The successful candidate will have extensive demonstrable skills and experiences including the following:

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Designation is preferred.
• Relevant BSC/BA (Mathematics / Economics or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Experience carrying out a similar role in financial services or investment industry. 
• Prior positions in investment management, capital markets, or servicing custodians, managers, and brokers would be considered beneficial, if the applicant can demonstrate how their skill set is applicable to overlays.
• Knowledge of equity, fixed income, and derivatives markets, specifically as it relates to portfolio management.
• Understanding of investment management principles, performance drivers and risk analytics for global equity, fixed income, derivatives and foreign exchange markets.
• Knowledge of money managers, custodians, and broker operations.
• Strong project management skills / ability to manage multiple projects.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent client service and communication skills (oral and written).
• Shows a genuine interest in, and commitment to, gaining relevant knowledge, skills and experience in commercial markets.
• Has industry knowledge and understands where Russell’s products and services fit within the industry.
• Promotes and facilitates the work of a group as well as contributing as a productive member of the team.
• Uncovers and meets the needs of both the internal and external clients.
• Able to act quickly and accurately to identify and analyse relevant information regarding work tasks.
• Monitors the quality of own work and quickly spots mistakes in accuracy and completeness.