Associate Investment Strategy & Oversight

As an equal opportunity employer, we are looking to build a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of our clients and the customers we serve. Learn more about working for WCB at Careers - WCB Alberta

Job Title:

Associate Investment Strategy & Oversight

Job Type:

Permanent / Full time

Job Location:

Edmonton, Alberta

Associate Investment Strategy & Oversight
Treasury and Investments

Edmonton, Alberta

Permanent, Full-Time

Why WCB-Alberta?

We are a team that cares. Over 2,000 people, in four offices located in Edmonton and Calgary, each with unique skill, expertise and perspective that supports our core areas of business. Regardless of specialty, we are a team connected by a shared purpose and value.

As the independent operator and administrator of the province’s Workers’ Compensation Act, we come to work each day committed to over two million workers and over 170,000 Alberta employers. We are inspired by making a positive impact on the lives and businesses that have been impacted by workplace injuries.

Ensuring the financial sustainability of the workers’ compensation system is a key strategic priority at WCB-Alberta. The Treasury and Investments department plays an essential role in guiding and overseeing management of the $13 billion investment portfolio.

The Associate, Investment Strategy and Oversight utilizes their strong investment background, economic and capital market knowledge and analytical abilities in collaboration with the Treasury and Investments team to recommend investment policy and evaluate achievement of these objectives. As an active contributor to research, analysis and decision-making, this position plays an important role in monitoring performance and risk at various levels within the investment portfolio, and assessing the external investment manager’s ability to meet the unique needs of WCB-Alberta.

Your responsibilities:

• Reviews and evaluates performance and risk reporting, product presentations and other investment manager documentation for alignment with WCB portfolio objectives.

• Maintains regular communications with asset class teams, leading discussions on portfolio strategy and positioning in varying market conditions to evaluate investment manager decision-making and identify potential sources of risk.

• Develops an in-depth understanding of strategies related to overall portfolio management and varying asset class products and how these may impact the WCB portfolio.

• Generates and researches ideas for portfolio construction and implementation guidelines, conducting analysis specific to WCB’s financial and portfolio objectives.

• Actively participates in ALM studies through the setting of capital market assumptions, discussions related to alternative asset mixes and other criteria to be evaluated and assessment of the results to set a policy asset mix that supports the financial sustainability of WCB.

• Recommends and provides research support for revisions to investment policy to reflect changing industry practice, investment products and WCB needs.

• Leads the assessment and analysis of investment products for implementation of the policy asset mix.

• Engages in discussions and provides feedback to the investment manager on new or revised product descriptions, benchmark changes, policy amendments, and other corporate initiatives.

• Recommends reporting enhancements where needed, to ensure sufficient portfolio information and metrics are received by WCB to meet its managing fiduciary responsibilities.

• Leads preparation of quarterly and annual portfolio reporting and investment manager assessment.

• Actively participates in cash management discussions and decision-making.

• Supports the Investment Director, Treasury and Portfolio Governance in preparing communications to the Board of Directors regular quarterly reporting as well as capital market and portfolio updates, investment policy amendments and other topics as required.

• Prepares relevant portfolio information, capital market data and commentary in support of Senior Management inquiries, financial statement and budget preparation, and various requests from other areas of the Finance Department.

Your experience and skills:

• University degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics or Statistics.

• Professional designation (such as CFA, FRM or equivalent) is required.

• A risk management designation would be beneficial.

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible research experience analyzing existing and potential investments and preparing recommendations in a pension or financial institution environment.

• Experience assessing external managers is an asset.

• Expert level knowledge of mathematical, statistical, and economic methods applied in investment management.

• Diverse and deep knowledge of portfolio management concepts and various asset categories, as well as staying current on economic and capital market developments are essential.

• Outstanding conceptual and analytical skills, business acumen, strong attention to detail and an innovative thinker.

• A strong background in computing with advanced level skills in Microsoft Excel and Access.

• Experience with BarraOne or other risk management tools is an asset.

• Well-developed interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff, management, and external contacts.

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, plan, and organize required tasks to meet deadlines.

We offer a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, flexible work schedules and hybrid work opportunities that foster a healthy work-life balance. You’ll work with supportive leaders and skilled professionals in a caring and collaborative work environment. For more information, please see our Employee Handbook, available on our website.

Final candidates for this position are required to undergo a security clearance and credit check as a condition of employment. Successful candidate must reside in Alberta and be able to work in a hybrid work arrangement which includes both remote work from home and in-person work at our downtown Edmonton office.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified persons, without regard to race, colour, religion or national origin, gender (or gender identity or expression), age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. Equal opportunity is provided in employment, promotions and wages.

Please apply above by submitting a cover letter and resume. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Closing Date: November 22, 2024