Manager research is a central activity for Mercer Investment Consulting. The global manager research team is responsible for analysing the competencies and capabilities of fund managers and rating their products and services. Only top rated strategies are recommended to clients. High quality research and insightful ratings are a crucial element for a client to generate competitive investment returns.

Mercer is highly regarded for the quality of its manager research and the rigour of its rating process - many clients buy manager research as the sole service they require from Mercer.

Position summary

The Senior Manager Researcher will be responsible for conducting primary due diligence on investment management firms and their strategies and making recommendations to Mercer’s strategy teams and rating committees as to the capability and suitability for institutional and retail clients. There will be an area of specialisation (primary responsibility) and an area of focus (secondary responsibility). 

For this role, specialisation will be in Australian shares with a secondary focus on either a subset of Australian property managers or Australian fixed interest managers. This individual also will be expected to contribute to Mercer’s thought leadership concerning key investment issues and portfolio structure and to be able to communicate with consultants and key clients. 

To fulfil this role, a Researcher will:

• Maintain an active schedule of research for purposes of identifying superior investment products in one or more asset classes
• Maintain a model portfolio of highest conviction recommended strategies for purposes of measuring performance
• Prepare written reports in support of research rating recommendations and be able to differentiate according to suitability for different client types and different market environments

• Be an active participant in Mercer rating committees

• Conduct research on broad capital markets issues which typically are closely related to arears of focus for manager research

• Participate in marketing activities on occasion: client presentations and seminars

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelors’ degree in finance, economics, mathematics or related discipline
• Holder of CFA designation, masters in business degree or actuarial designation preferred
• Five or more years experience in either institutional investment management or investment/financial consulting
• Background in investment analysis or portfolio management an advantage, in particular exposure to Australian equity

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Knowledge of investment markets, investment strategies and/or managers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Independently motivated, but work well in a team environment

Remuneration

Remuneration will be salary-based with a bonus payable based on performance. The role will be based in Sydney.

To Apply

For further information or to apply for this position please contact and email your CV and cover letter to lisa.stevancevic@mercer.com