Investment Research Analyst

Investment Research Analyst – Mercer - London

The company: Mercer

• Mercer provides insights, advice and technology-driven solutions to help build brighter futures for our clients, colleagues and communities.
• Together, we are re redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and unlocking real health and well-being.
• Mercer’s more than 25,000 employees are based in 44 countries, and the firm operates in over 130 countries.

The role:Investment Research Analyst

• We are looking for a candidate to join the European Diversifying Alternatives (’DA’) team conducting research on various investment funds
• The Global DA Research team works with a broad range of clients, located around the world with this role sitting in our London team of 8 specialists focusing mainly on European investments.

What can you expect?

• Working with the team on asset class, strategy specific or thematic research projects
• Contributing with the team more broadly to Mercer intellectual capital and investment topics.
• Supporting investment due diligence across a range of investment strategies, with a focus on the European market
• Preparing written reports on investment managers and their strategies including qualitative and quantitative analysis of a manager’s investment strategy across a broad range of metrics.
• Working with Lead Research Committees (LRCs) to source and help maintain diverse universes of high conviction diversifying strategies (multi-asset and hedge funds as examples)
• Helping support Mercer consultants and clients across the following areas:
• Making recommendations on the suitability of various strategies
• Undertaking searches in new and existing strategy areas
• Compiling detailed lists of investable options
• Conducting requested investment due diligence on managers/strategies

What you will be rewarded with?

• We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.
• Support for education programmes such as the CFA
• We also support programmes including: health & welfare, a wide range of learning courses, pension, employee assistance program, career mobility, employee network groups and volunteer opportunities.

We will rely on you to:

• Conduct and review quantitative and qualitative research using Mercer and third party data, including using in-house tools and databases as well as onsite meetings for analysis.
• Contribute to the development of appropriate responsible investment strategies for clients, drafting reports and presentations as appropriate.
• Contribute to Mercer’s RI intellectual capital development and research processes.
• Work with consultants in preparation for client meetings and supporting actions / implementation.
• Support the team more broadly in fielding and responding to queries from clients and prospects in a timely manner.
• Providing support on business development as required.
• Liaising with other teams within Mercer Investments and across Mercer business segments.

What you need to have:

• A 2:1 or higher in a Bachelor (or higher) degree, demonstrating strong analytical and /or quantitative skills or a minimum of 2 years practical experience within investment related areas.
• Demonstrable intellectual curiousity across various areas of investment (style/asset class/region) or experience in this area.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a team-oriented approach that is expressed through strong oral and written communication skills.
• An ability to show good initiative and collaboration skills in working independently as part of a team.
• Confident in using and communication across a range of media/tech applications as part of a broader global research team.
• Strong analytical skills, with high attention to detail and professionalism.
• Good planning and organisational skills, with an ability to prioritise tasks and manage resources within a deadline oriented environment

What makes you stand out:

• Excellent written skills (reporting writing or similar) and high levels of numeracy and statistical understanding (through maths/economics or other business related studies)
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated and proactive approach to work
• A curious mind coupled with diligence and strong attention to detail
• Enjoyment of working as part of a team and debating and discussing views and opinions.
• Can demonstrate an ability to support colleagues in project based activities
• Relevant experience in analytical work, report writing and data analysis ideally within investment research or related areas a bonus

About us

At Mercer, we make a difference in the lives of more than 110 million people every day by advancing their health, wealth, and careers. We’re in the business of creating more secure and rewarding futures for our clients and their employees — whether we’re designing affordable health plans, assuring income for retirement or aligning workers with workforce needs. Using analysis and insights as catalysts for change, we anticipate and understand the individual impact of business decisions, now and in the future. We see people’s current and future needs through a lens of innovation, and our holistic view, specialized expertise, and deep analytical rigor underpin each and every idea and solution we offer. For more than 70 years, we’ve turned our insights into actions, enabling people around the globe to live, work, and retire well. We embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. At Mercer, we say we Make Tomorrow, Today. Visit www.mercer.com for more information and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @Mercer.

At Mercer we are open to flexible and part time working arrangements for new hires. The aim of our flexible working policy is to enable employees to balance work and home life more effectively, whilst meeting the needs of our business. This is another step towards us being an employer of choice. We encourage you to discuss your requirements with us when you apply for a role.