Head of Harness Investment Management, VP

at  Purpose Unlimited

Company Overview
Harness Investment Management is a forward-thinking investment firm that is passionate about achieving better outcomes for our clients. We partner with financial planners to serve individual investors offering combining portfolio management, and financial planning advisory. Our culture is defined by collaboration, integrity, and relentless dedication to delivering real-world impact for our clients, prioritizing trust and transparency in every interaction.
Position Overview
The Head of Harness Investment Management provides overall strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the firm remains focused on delivering exceptional, long-term client outcomes. This role guides the leadership team in building innovative strategies, maximizing performance, and fostering a culture of excellence. The successful candidate will act as the primary advocate for clients, seamlessly integrating their needs into the firm’s broader vision and objectives.
Key Responsibilities

1. Client-Centric Vision & Strategy

• Develop and implement a long-term vision that places client success at the heart of all strategic decisions.
• Identify emerging opportunities and industry trends, leveraging them to enhance value for clients and drive sustainable growth.
• Partner with other leaders within Purpose to refine and communicate the company’s mission, values, and client-focused objectives.

1. Business & Financial Leadership

• Oversee firm-wide financial performance, ensuring that revenue, profitability, and budget targets align with the goal of delivering optimal client outcomes.
• Allocate capital and resources effectively to support initiatives that enhance client value, such as advanced research capabilities or new products.
• Drive operational efficiencies that allow the firm to maintain competitive fee structures while preserving high-quality service.

1. Client Advocacy & Relationship Management

• Serve as the principal ambassador for Harness, actively engaging with clients to understand their evolving needs and to highlight the firm’s commitment to their success.
• Lead business development efforts, expanding relationships with high-profile clients, and shaping strategies that put client interests first.
• Cultivate a proactive client service ethos, ensuring that feedback loops and service improvements continually elevate the client experience.

1. Investment & Portfolio Oversight

• Collaborate closely with the Investment Committee to establish and refine investment strategies that prioritize robust, risk-adjusted returns for clients.
• Ensure the investment team remains informed on global economic and market developments, integrating forward-looking perspectives that protect and grow client capital.
• Champion data-driven decision-making, fostering a culture of rigorous research and fiduciary responsibility.

1. Organizational Culture & Talent Development

• Foster a workplace culture where collaboration, transparency, and client-focused innovation thrive.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain top talent, building a diverse and high-performing team dedicated to delivering the best possible client outcomes.
• Establish clear performance metrics linked to client satisfaction and strategic results, holding senior leaders accountable for meeting those benchmarks.

1. Risk Management & Compliance

• Promote decision-making processes that are transparent, data-driven, and always in the best interest of clients.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and uphold the highest standards of ethical and legal compliance, ensuring firm-wide alignment with client protection.
• Implement and refine risk management frameworks that safeguard both client assets and the firm’s reputation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Leadership Experience: Extensive background in senior leadership within an investment management or financial services environment, preferably at the Managing Director or Executive level. Bonus points if you hold CFA, CIM, CFP
• Client-Centric Mindset: Demonstrated ability to translate client needs into strategic initiatives that drive satisfaction and growth.
• Strategic & Financial Acumen: Proven record of steering organizations toward profitable, sustainable growth while maintaining impeccable client service standards.
• Investment Expertise: Strong understanding of capital markets, asset allocation, and risk management principles.
• Team Building: Skilled at attracting, developing, and retaining high-caliber talent within a client-focused culture.

Key Competencies

• Client Advocacy: Passion for understanding and meeting client needs, shaping strategies that consistently improve outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking: Ability to anticipate industry shifts, innovate offerings, and set a clear path forward.
• Communication & Influence: Exceptional skill in articulating complex ideas and rallying diverse stakeholders around common objectives.
• Collaboration: Aptitude for building strong, inclusive teams that embody mutual respect and shared goals.
• Decisiveness Under Pressure: Capable of making informed, timely decisions in dynamic markets.
• Change Management: Expertise in guiding organizations through transformational initiatives that enhance client experiences.

Why should you join us?

• We are one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers’ 2023 & 2024.
• We believe in innovation and a vibrant culture - work for an innovative, people-first, financial services firm that values entrepreneurialism.
• We believe in a flexible work structure – A flexible hybrid work model that empowers you to do your best work whether at home or the office.
• We care about your rewards - Competitive compensation including equity program.
• We care about your health – comprehensive group health and dental benefits and life insurance at little to no cost to you. We also offer a Lifestyle Spending Account for all your wellness needs.
• We care about your quality of life - flexible paid time-off policy with unlimited vacation days, and flexible sick and mental health days.
• We care about your family - Paid parental leave for eligible employees with a top-up.
• We care about your future – Generous Group RRSP matching and an optional TFSA program.
• We care about your development – We offer training opportunities and tuition support year-round.

Harness Investment Management is an equal employer, and we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and barrier-free work environment for all employees and candidates. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply and if accommodation is required during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact any member of the People and Culture team at PeopleCultureTeam@purpose-unlimited.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Our work philosophy is a hybrid model allowing for flexibility and collaboration

Please refer the Job description for details