Mercer Investments is a leading global provider of investment consulting services. We offer customised advice at every stage of the investment decision, risk management and investment monitoring process. In addition to core consulting, we have developed a number of specialist teams; the Financial Strategy Group, Mercer Sentinel, Manager Research, Responsible Investment and Fiduciary Management, thereby ensuring we offer a full range of services to our clients. We have been dedicated to meeting the needs of clients for more than 30 years.
Mercer Sentinel is a global group of c50 full time staff, focussed on consulting to clients on all aspects of custody, securities lending, transitions and operational risk assessments. We operate from location based in Europe, the United States, Asia and the Pacific. The Operational Risk Assessments Team consults on investment operations, implementation and governance of investment managers.
Due to increasing client demand we are continuing to build a specialist team focused on investment manager operational risk assessments. We are looking to employ a Senior Associate who has an advanced understanding of the financial services industry and the operational functions of investment managers. Through the Mercer structured development programme and on-the-job training you will be supported, coached and developed.
The job holder will work as part of a team supporting more experienced analysts and consultants. This role is based in our London office supporting our client requirements across Europe. Key duties will include the following:
Work as part of a team participating in managing projects
Liaise with investment managers to collate information, coordinate on-site visits and schedules
Review documentation provided by investment managers
Lead on-site visits and participate in the production of written reports on investment managers
Mentor junior staff and peer review reports written by other team members
Assist with team planning and work load allocation
Contribute to the assessment of investment managers using Mercer Sentinel’s framework incorporating Mercer Sentinel's latest house views as appropriate
Contribute to Mercer Sentinel’s intellectual capital through market research and process innovation
Assist with business development efforts through participation in client meetings and conferences
Respond to queries from clients and consultants
Contribute to manager and/or specialist research projects
Limited travel throughout Europe
Qualifications
The following skills, experience and qualifications are required for this role:
University level education. Honours degree preferred.
Professional qualification (Actuarial, ACA, ACCA, CFA or equivalent)
In depth understanding of investment manager operations and market participants
Minimum of ten years prior experience in one of the following areas: audit or regulatory examinations or rating credit or operational risks or middle and back office operations.
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Takes ownership for work, always ensuring standards and deadlines are met and keeping others informed and up-to-date
Works well under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Openly shares information and own expertise with colleagues
Team leadership, staff supervision and development expertise
Possess excellent team working skills in a global working environment
Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills
Self motivated with an eagerness to learn and a positive work ethic
Challenges existing practices and conventional thinking