Head: Fixed Income

at  Momentum Investments

INTRODUCTION

Through Momentum, and our other specialist brands, the group enables business and people from all walks of life to achieve their financial goals and life aspirations. We help people grow their savings, protect what matters to them and invest for the future. We help companies and organisations care for and reward their employees and members. Through our own network of advisers or via independent brokers and utilising new platforms Momentum Group provides practical financial solutions for people, communities and businesses.

REQUIREMENTS

• Post graduate degree
• Masters in Investments (or similar) would be an advantage
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or other professional qualification(s) an advantage
• 10+ years portfolio management experience
• 5 – 8 years senior leadership experience within Fixed Income
• Exposure to portfolio management across a variety of products, asset classes, markets and industries and a substantial track record of investment performance
• Deep insight and knowledge of capital markets and relationships with key role players therein
• Understanding of South African and International macro-economic drivers
• Good market profile and strong presentation and engagement ability.

ROLE PURPOSE

Lead and provide strategic direction for Momentum Asset Management’s Fixed Income team. Manage a team of fixed income portfolio managers and credit analysts. Provide research, design and management of fixed income investment portfolios that provide desired client and investment outcomes, and deliver on the Momentum Group’s, segment, client expectations and business objectives.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage and provide strategic direction and execution for Momentum Asset Management’s Fixed Income team, portfolios, products and processes
• Work directly with Momentum Asset Management’s CEO in further developing the Asset Management offering, of which Fixed Income is an anchor component
• Collaborate with the segment and key stakeholders to determine investment requirements
• Identify and investigate new opportunities to expand fixed income strategies and ensure the relevant due diligence is completed to support effective decision-making.
• Continuously identify opportunities for growth through rates investments.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive range of fit-for-purpose investment solutions that are robust and deliver on client outcomes and business expectations in the most efficient way possible through market cycles.
• Oversee the management of fixed income portfolios, ensuring they meet performance targets and risk parameters.
• Engage with various investment capabilities and stakeholders to ensure investment solutions are robust, performative and integrity tested
• Provide advice and guidance to internal stakeholders regarding strategies to diversify earnings in line with the Momentum Group’s risk appetite.
• Work with the Asset Management distribution team to create a pipeline of potential investment opportunities both locally and within Africa.
• Influence how fixed interest investment strategies can enhance and support the outcomes of broader investment portfolio solutions.
• Oversee investment research agenda (locally and within Africa) to determine fixed interest investment strategies best practice, competitor landscape and environment factors that influence the market.
• Oversee the credit research, analysis and credit risk processes of the Fixed Income team.
• Ensure that all aspects of the credit research and analysis process are continuously conducted to the highest standard.
• Translate research analysis and insights into the design and development of industry relevant investment solutions that address the client’s financial wellness needs and shareholder expectations.
• Participate and contribute to relevant investment, credit and governance forums as required.
• Conduct thorough market analysis to identify investment opportunities and risks within the fixed income market.
• Implement robust risk management practices to safeguard investments and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Drive the ongoing research to determine the best practice improvements on solutions to ensure local and African market dynamics are considered and effectively applied.
• Oversee the effective and appropriate construction and management of portfolios of interest rate related and sensitive securities.
• Ensure that the portfolio management and risk management processes are well defined, rigorous and consistently applied.
• Oversee the ongoing monitoring and performance measurement of solutions to ensure the product is managed relative to the outcome defined.

Relationship building

• Contribute to sustaining a competitive edge through external networking, benchmarking and representation on related forums.
• Define fair and innovative client service practices that will build and contribute to a client service excellence culture which builds enduring and rewarding relationships, allowing team to provide exceptional client service.
• Engage with key stakeholders to identify changing client needs and make recommendations to align service offering with client needs.
• Drive efforts to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility
• Incorporate client feedback into the enhancement of daily business processes and management operating systems

Leadership

• Effectively build and lead a high-performing and future-fit team dedicated to Momentum Investments and Fixed Income, fostering a culture of excellence, ethical conduct, and continuous learning.
• Select and recruit suitably qualified talent in line with Employment Equity principles and the Momentum Group’s values
• Proactively manage talent throughout the employee lifecycle to ensure retention and growth within the team.
• Drive a culture that guides and directs best practices, fostering an environment of continuous learning, improvement and cohesiveness.
• Drive innovation, collaboration and performance excellence within the team to achieve business objectives.
• Responsible for continuously and proactively managing any expenses within the unit responsibly and in line with the annual budget.
• Identify solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness and increase operational efficiency.
• Implement and provide feedback on the effectiveness of financial policy, practice and procedures preventing illegal, unethical or improper conduct.
• Implement risk management, governance and compliance policies in own practice area, to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
• Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to organisation policy and practice and report on findings.