Head of Portfolio Management (Public Assets)

Head of Portfolio Management (Public Assets)

At Just, we encourage a flexible and agile working environment for most opportunities. Contact us to discuss further.

Who are Just?

We help people achieve a better later life. As a fast-growing FTSE 250 company, we assist customers in enjoying the retirement they deserve through market-leading, award-winning products and services. Our diverse team of over 1,400 purpose-led colleagues puts the customer at the center of everything we do.

This is an exciting time to join us as we aim to become the UK's most loved retirement expert.

Purpose

The Head of Public Credit ('PC') is a leadership role within the investment team, responsible for ensuring careful evaluation of Public Credit investments and optimal portfolio management.

The role supports the business's investment activities to provide policyholders with security and competitive pricing. The Public Credit team is divided into three vertical pillars: Trading, Portfolio Management, and Macro/Market Insight, and one horizontal pillar: Investment Projects.

The role oversees activities across all four pillars, ensuring they align with Just's strategic objectives, and involves leadership within the PC function and collaboration across the investment and wider business.

Job Role Accountabilities

• A.1 Trading: Oversee sourcing and execution of primary and secondary public credit assets, including bonds, PPs, EMTNs, and structured credit, ensuring activities meet Just's requirements and adhere to procedures.
• Engage with sales, traders, and syndicate desks for public and private placements.
• Manage price discovery for new issues and illiquid bonds.
• Verify trade metrics and ensure team training in bond economics.
• A.2 Portfolio Management: Oversee activities to maximize the portfolio's risk-adjusted value through tactical asset allocation, optimization trades, and risk management, in line with business needs and market conditions.
• Lead TAA decision-making, understand portfolio risk profiles, and ensure the use of internal evaluation tools.
• A.3 Macro/Market Insight: Oversee macro and credit market analysis, ensuring the team evaluates market trends to support investment decisions and strategic insights.

Investment Projects B.1: Drive the development of new frameworks and technology for trading and portfolio management, enhancing PC sophistication and leadership among peers.

• Lead and empower colleagues, support their development, and communicate PC activities across the business.

Examples of Key Activities

• Originate and review public credit assets to meet investment goals.
• Manage the Public Credit Portfolio, working with Credit Research to generate value.
• Collaborate on balance sheet efficiency and develop portfolio insights.
• Lead trading processes and develop the Public Credit team.
• Coordinate with responsible investment and strategy teams.
• Build relationships with key counterparties and assess potential in-specie assets for new business.

Skills and Knowledge

Skills include analytical ability, excellent communication, research skills, results focus, and team collaboration. Knowledge of credit, fixed income, and financial markets is essential, with experience in managing portfolios and strategic activity at a senior level.

Company Benefits

• Competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and bonus scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off.
• Private medical, income protection, and employee benefits.

Why Just?

Join us to develop your career while making a positive impact. We foster a culture of ambition, curiosity, collaboration, and sustainability, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.