Head of Investment Strategy
This is a great opportunity to join our client, Smart, in this senior leadership role. As Head of Investment Strategy, working closely with the Chief Investment Officer and the broader investment management team, you will lead Smart’s investment strategy function and help shape the firm’s investment views, asset allocation framework and portfolio construction approach. The role includes developing capital market assumptions, leading macroeconomic, valuation and investor sentiment research, overseeing portfolio optimisation, risk monitoring, scenario analysis, stress testing, ESG integration, benchmark review and other quantitative techniques and modelling.
We are seeking a candidate who is an expansive thinker with an enquiring mind, able to lead through others, work independently and thrive in a culture that is both collaborative and intellectually challenging. As the business continues its growth, we are looking for an individual with strong judgement and presentation skills who can engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Smart/NZX leadership team, Investment Committee, key clients, advisers, industry participants, media and retail investors.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Strong leadership capability, including the ability to set priorities, build team capability, coach direct reports and deliver high-quality outcomes through others
- Strategic judgement and enterprise thinking, with the ability to balance investment, commercial, regulatory, operational and client considerations
- Demonstrated expertise in investment strategy, asset allocation, portfolio construction, portfolio optimisation and multi-asset risk management
- Advanced quantitative research, modelling and data analysis skills, including experience developing and maintaining capital market assumptions, investment models, tools and dashboards
- Ability to lead macroeconomic, valuation, market and investor sentiment research, and synthesise internal and external insights into clear investment views and recommendations
- Experience providing well-supported recommendations on portfolio optimisation, risk exposures, portfolio changes and implementation priorities, supported by clear analysis and rationale
- Strong understanding of financial instruments, derivatives, benchmarks, index methodologies, and portfolio implementation considerations
- Experience overseeing portfolio risk, performance, attribution, mandate compliance and alignment with SIPO, risk appetite and regulatory requirements
- Experience with scenario analysis, stress testing, liquidity risk, climate-related risk and integration of ESG considerations into investment processes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex investment analysis, risk frameworks, recommendations and investment views to senior stakeholders, committees, clients, media and broader audiences