Director - Manager Research, Multi-Manager Solutions

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.

We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 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 create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.

Job Description

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 $80+ billion USD Multi-Manager Solutions platform footprint. In this position you will conduct investment manager research and selection through a rigorous due diligence process for all investment managers in assigned coverage area.
You will have extensive background in manager research covering multiple asset classes, both public and private (i.e. real estate, infrastructure, etc), and including sustainable investment strategies. 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, portfolio construction and analytical processes with the goal of continuous improvement.

How you'll spend your time...

Serve as lead analyst representing Columbia Threadneedle Investments in due diligence discussions with investment managers within assigned asset classes.  
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 towards a consensus-based decision.
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, while asking challenging and difficult questions.
Serve as back up analyst, supporting other analysts in their research and coverage.
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 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 funds’ performance, people, process, and culture.

To be successful in this role you will have...

Prior investment management experience, with extensive background across traditional and alternative investment strategies, both public and private (i.e., real estate, infrastructure, etc), including sustainable investment strategies.
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 an asset management organization at and consultant firms, representing Columbia Threadneedle Investments in a highly professional manner.
Thorough familiarity with major analytical tools employed by manager research analysts (Preqin, FactSet, Aladdin, eVestment, Bloomberg, Morningstar, Dasseti, etc.)

If you also had this, it would be great...

Prior multi-manager research/selection experience
Fluent in Dutch language, to allow for seamless communication with our large Dutch client base
Progress towards or interest in pursuing master’s degree, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, and/or the CFA Institute's Certificate in Sustainable Investing.

In-Office Collaboration

We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.

Full timePermanentInvestment Management

Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.

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.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.