Senior Research Analyst - Manager Selection

Octavius Finance is partnering with a highly regarded asset manager to appoint a Senior Research Analyst within its growing European Manager Research function. This role sits at the intersection of fundamental and quantitative investing, with a particular emphasis on fixed income manager research. The successful candidate will contribute across manager selection, investment due diligence, portfolio construction, and ongoing strategy monitoring, helping to maintain a high-conviction buy list covering both rates and credit strategies within a multi-manager investment platform.

Working closely with portfolio managers and investment research colleagues, the individual will play a key role in identifying, evaluating, and monitoring leading fixed income managers, supporting a robust investment framework and delivering strong client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead the identification, evaluation, and due diligence of fixed income managers for inclusion on the approved buy list
2. Conduct ongoing monitoring of existing managers and strategies, making recommendations for retention, removal, or new additions in line with governance processes
3. Partner with portfolio managers to assess current allocations and evaluate prospective investment opportunities
4. Support oversight of corporate and financial credit exposures across active and target-maturity fixed income portfolios
5. Participate in primary market activity, including bond issuance analysis, valuation assessment, and market opportunity evaluation
6. Contribute to credit research across investment grade, high yield, and subordinated debt markets using both fundamental and technical analysis techniques
7. Generate and evaluate fixed income investment ideas, relative value opportunities and research initiatives, leveraging quantitative and data-driven methodologies where appropriate
8. Analyse and oversee exposure to structured fixed income instruments, including derivatives such as IRS, TRS, and options used for portfolio construction and risk management
9. Apply a quantamental investment approach, integrating quantitative insights with fundamental research to support investment decision-making
10. Maintain and develop manager research databases, investment frameworks and fund selection processes
11. Collaborate with wider investment teams on portfolio construction, asset allocation and strategic investment initiatives
12. Work closely with compliance, legal and product teams to ensure adherence to internal governance and regulatory requirements
13. Support broader investment research projects and strategic initiatives as required

Key Requirements

1. Minimum 7 years' experience within fixed income investing, manager research, fund selection or a related investment discipline
2. Degree educated with a relevant academic background; CFA Charterholder strongly preferred
3. Deep understanding of fixed income markets, including rates, investment grade credit, high yield and subordinated debt
4. Strong analytical and quantitative skill set, with a sound understanding of portfolio and investment risk
5. Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
6. High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
7. Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and other core investment analysis tools
8. Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective relationships across investment and business teams
9. Experience applying quantitative techniques, data analysis or systematic approaches within fixed income investing would be advantageous