Head of Alternative Investment Research

From this autumn, Barnett Waddingham will become Howden, bringing our people together as one and offering our people greater opportunities to grow, connect and develop.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with deep expertise across private markets and real assets to shape and drive our alternative investment research. We are looking for an individual with who can deliver high conviction research, lead manager due diligence activity and help shape portfolio construction views across our investment consulting business.

As Head of Alternative Investment Research, you will lead a talented team and work closely with colleagues across investment consulting to support clients with high-quality, actionable recommendations. You will play a key role in strengthening Howden's reputation in the alternatives market through thought leadership, client engagement and industry presence.

A snapshot of your day:

• Lead investment due diligence meetings, manager reviews and product assessment processes.
• Lead and continually develop Howden's alternative investment research agenda across private markets and real assets.
• Produce high quality, differentiated research and investment insights that support client outcomes and business objectives.
• Develop proprietary market views and translate research conclusions into practical portfolio and manager recommendations.
• Present research views, market developments and investment recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Represent Howden at conferences, industry events, roundtables and other external engagements.
• Support new business opportunities, pitches and investment consulting initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the alternatives market, including managers, advisers, consultants and data providers.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues across the investment research function to shape wider research priorities.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure research processes, governance and recommendations meet relevant regulatory, compliance and fiduciary standards.
• Contribute to business planning, management reporting and wider strategic initiatives within the investment consulting business.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• Significant experience within alternative investment research, including a strong understanding of fund structures, performance drivers, and portfolio construction considerations.
• A strong track record of producing high-quality investment insights and leading investment teams.
• Experience conducting manager due diligence and making manager selection recommendations.
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with experience engaging clients and industry audiences.
• A well-established network within the alternatives market, including managers, advisers, consultants or data providers.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with a passion for developing others.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities to support clients and grow relationships.
• Experience collaborating across teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Professional qualifications such as CFA, CAIA, MBA or equivalent would be advantageous.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive discretionary annual bonus.
• A rare opportunity to both develop insight and see it applied.
• Scope to shape and evolve the function – lead the direction of alternative investment research within a growing and entrepreneurial business.
• Core benefits including life assurance of four times salary, income protection of 75% of salary for up to five years, and single private medical insurance cover.
• A generous pension scheme with 5% employee contributions matched by a 10% employer contribution.
• 25 days' annual leave, increasing to 27 days after five years' service.
• Access to the Howden flexible benefits programme, offering a wide range of benefits and discounts to support your wellbeing, family life and lifestyle.
• The opportunity to be part of a growing global business where career development, collaboration and innovation are encouraged.

Happy to talk flexible working

Accessibility

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you reasonable adjustments could support you, or if you would like more information on accessibility, please click here

We kindly ask recruitment agencies to not send speculative CVs. Should we need assistance, we will reach out. All enquiries should be directed to careers@barnett-waddingham.co.uk.