You will be responsible for conducting research, selection and oversight of investment managers for use within Columbia Threadneedle’s open architecture investment solutions products, while contributing to the Multi-Manager Solutions team’s efforts to extend its $80+ billion USD global footprint. You will conduct investment manager research and selection using a rigorous due diligence process applied within an assigned coverage area of liquid alternatives.
You will have a strong background in liquid alternatives, with experience working with US ’40 Act fund requirements. You must be able to independently manage search/selection activity and oversight of managers within a broad universe of liquid alternatives sub-asset classes. You will also recommend and implement enhancements to manager screening, research and analytical processes, with the goal of continuous improvement.

How you’ll spend your time

• Serve as lead analyst representing Columbia Threadneedle in due diligence discussions with investment firms managing liquid alternative investment strategies
• Lead the subadvisor/multi-manager selection and due diligence process within assigned sub-asset classes, including collaboration with cross-organizational groups tasked with decision making. Engage all key stakeholders in the process while leading towards a consensus-based decision.
• Lead the investment component of due diligence with investment teams at current and prospective investment managers. Structure interviews with investment staff including CIO, PMs, Analysts, and Traders, doing so in a balanced way that obtains valuable insights quickly while maintaining a positive tone in light of challenging and difficult questions.
• Present investment ideas and review existing portfolios directly with our institutional clients in various global markets (US, UK, Netherlands).
• Develop quantitative screening and reporting tools to objectively evaluate investment strategies, with the goal of finding areas for process improvement.
• Work with internal investment teams to support portfolio construction processes, including optimal manager weightings, identifying manager factor exposures, attribution analysis, etc.
• Lead investment due diligence process for assigned strategies, serving as lead analyst. This includes manager recommendations (i.e., terminate or continue) and analysis to support the recommendation. Identify key facts and insights, sorting through significant information to do so.
• 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 liquid alternatives market, including competitors, changes in investment leadership, ownership, etc.
• Work with clients and consultants to develop investment guidelines and parameters to inform research and search efforts.
• Perform ad-hoc and ongoing surveillance of multi-managed funds’ performance, people, process, and culture.

To be successful in this role you will have

• 5-7+ years of manager research experience covering liquid alternatives.
• Deep understanding of and experience analyzing various sub-asset classes within liquid alternatives.
• Thorough 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 asset management and consultant firms and represent Columbia Threadneedle Investments in a highly professional manner.
• Proficiency with standard analytical tools employed by analysts (i.e., FactSet, Aladdin, eVestment, Bloomberg, Morningstar, etc.)

It would be great if you also had

• 3-5+ years’ experience working with US ’40 Act funds.
• Experience working with quantitative research and/or quantitative portfolio management teams
• Progress towards or interest in pursuing master’s degree, and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation.

• 5-7+ years of manager research experience covering liquid alternatives.
• Deep understanding of and experience analyzing various sub-asset classes within liquid alternatives.
• Thorough 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 asset management and consultant firms and represent Columbia Threadneedle Investments in a highly professional manner.
• Proficiency with standard analytical tools employed by analysts (i.e., FactSet, Aladdin, eVestment, Bloomberg, Morningstar, etc.