Job Summary

Heads of Research are responsible for overseeing all aspects of market research, including macroeconomic analysis, sector and industry research, quantitative analysis, and financial modeling. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, economic trends, and the ability to manage and inspire a team of research professionals. The ideal candidate possesses excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills, and drives the development of actionable research insights to support investment strategies, trading decisions, and client advisory services.

Research Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and execute the overall research strategy for the firm, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and investment strategies.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of research analysts, economists, and quants, fostering a collaborative environment focused on high-quality research and innovation.
• Set clear research objectives and performance goals, ensuring that the research team meets deadlines and delivers actionable insights for portfolio managers, traders, and clients.
• Ensure that research processes are efficient, scalable, and continuously improved to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and thought leadership within the research team.

Market Research and Analysis

• Oversee the analysis of financial markets, including equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities, and alternative assets, with a focus on uncovering trends, pricing anomalies, and investment opportunities.
• Drive the development of detailed macroeconomic reports, market outlooks, and sector/industry analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of market conditions.
• Provide deep insights into market movements, trading patterns, and financial indicators, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Oversee the creation of investment theses, risk assessments, and economic forecasts, ensuring that they are actionable and relevant to portfolio managers and investment decision-making.

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Oversight

• Lead the research team’s quantitative analysis efforts, including the use of financial models, data analytics, and statistical tools to assess market conditions and develop investment strategies.
• Ensure the team uses appropriate qualitative research methods, such as expert interviews, surveys, and proprietary data collection, to supplement quantitative models and enhance insights.
• Collaborate with data scientists and quantitative analysts to incorporate advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques into the research process.
• Ensure a balanced approach to research, integrating both top-down (macroeconomic) and bottom-up (company/sector) analysis in generating investment recommendations.

Investment Research Support

• Provide timely, in-depth research to support the investment team’s decision-making processes, particularly in areas such as asset allocation, security selection, and risk management.
• Work closely with portfolio managers and traders to identify new investment opportunities, market inefficiencies, and risks across various asset classes.
• Develop and maintain research products that are tailored to both internal stakeholders and external clients, ensuring they are relevant and actionable.
• Analyze and report on financial data, trends, and market conditions, making recommendations on portfolio adjustments or asset reallocation as needed.

Communication and Reporting

• Present complex research findings in a clear and concise manner to senior leadership, portfolio managers, and clients, ensuring that insights are actionable and aligned with investment strategies.
• Produce comprehensive research reports, whitepapers, and presentations that communicate key findings and recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the firm in external communications, including client meetings, industry conferences, and media engagements, establishing the firm as a thought leader in the financial markets space.
• Ensure regular and transparent communication within the research team, as well as with other departments such as trading, portfolio management, and client advisory services.

Collaboration with External Partners

• Build and maintain relationships with external research providers, industry experts, and data vendors to enhance the firm’s research capabilities.
• Evaluate and recommend third-party research tools, databases, and software to support the firm’s research needs.
• Foster partnerships with universities, think tanks, and industry groups to stay at the forefront of market trends and research methodologies.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure that all research activities comply with industry regulations, ethical guidelines, and firm-specific policies regarding data use, reporting, and analysis.
• Work closely with the compliance and risk management teams to identify and mitigate potential risks related to research activities, particularly in areas such as data security, market manipulation, and conflicts of interest.
• Monitor and ensure that all research outputs are fact-checked, unbiased, and based on sound methodologies.

Innovation and Technology Integration

• Champion the use of innovative research technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and machine learning, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of research processes.
• Encourage the use of advanced data visualization techniques and dashboards to present complex financial data in a user-friendly manner for decision-makers.
• Stay current with the latest financial research tools, technologies, and methodologies to ensure the research team is utilizing the best available resources.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in financial analysis tools (e.
g., Bloomberg, FactSet, Reuters, S&P Capital IQ).
• Advanced proficiency in statistical software and programming languages, such as Python, R, or MATLAB, for data analysis and modeling.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications in financial research is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in Excel, including the use of advanced formulas, financial modeling, and data visualization techniques.

Analytical and Strategic Thinking

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data and trends into actionable insights.
• Ability to think strategically and critically about market developments, economic data, and investment opportunities.
• A forward-thinking approach, anticipating market changes and identifying emerging trends before they become mainstream.