Director, Portfolio Manager - Sammons Financial Group Asset Management

Sammons Financial Group • West Des Moines, IA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Oversee and manage outsourced investment mandates for Sammons Financial Group Asset Management (SFGAM), in partnership with the SFGAM leadership team. Direct, manage and oversee third-party asset managers for assigned relationships and strategies, including frequent, proactive dialogue with managers and analysis of key credit exposures and risks. Lead quantitative and qualitative analysis and research for assigned Core fixed income asset classes. Oversee analyst teams that are responsible for development of portfolio analytics, quarterly surveillance packages, and quantitative surveillance tools. Utilize deep and thorough understanding of fixed income markets and fundamental corporate credit analysis, as well as excellent collaboration and communication between internal and external stakeholders to achieve work outcomes. This role will be subject to an SEC compliance program, which can include monitoring personal securities transactions, restrictions on outside business activities, as well other oversight and restrictions.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' of credit market or related asset management experience Required
• Experience with and deep knowledge of fixed income markets and corporate credit analysis Required
• Demonstrated deep and thorough understanding of fixed income markets, corporate credit analysis, and insurance industry developments and best practices
• Strong ability to manage third-party asset managers, including ability to effectively assess third-party managers
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills and the ability to take data from several sources and organize, validate, and analyze data
• Excellent ability to work in a collaborative team environment within and outside of SFGAM
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, self-initiative, and team player
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, delegate and allocate time and resources effectively; ability to meet strict deadlines
• Demonstrated leadership through developing, coaching, and mentoring of others within and beyond team

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance or related field Preferred
• Master's Degree and/or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or pursuit of CFA designation Preferred
• Insurance industry experience Preferred
• Leadership experience including mentoring, teaching, and training staff in a performance driven culture Preferred
• Experience in fixed income portfolio management, particularly credit assessment, portfolio construction, and asset liability management as it relates to an insurance company Preferred
• Intellectually curious nature and positive attitude towards learning new or complex topics
• CFA or pursuit of CFA designation Preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee third-party asset managers for assigned asset classes, including frequent, proactive communication with managers, assessment of manager capabilities, expertise, and performance, and assessment of portfolio positioning and credit risk exposures, while ensuring strong communication and collaboration within SFGAM to maximize investment results and manage risks.
• Identify and lead initiatives for assessing and monitoring portfolio risk, and identify appropriate portfolio metrics for analyzing market risk at SFG and comparing across the firm's peer competitors.
• Partner with the SFGAM leadership team on assessments of credit investments that may have unconventional obligors, collateral, or structures and co-invest opportunities, and determine appropriate size given risk tolerances, relative value, and other considerations.
• Lead and oversee analyst teams that are responsible for development of portfolio analytics, quarterly reporting packages, and quantitative surveillance tools.
• Take ownership of and proactively manage consolidated credit risk exposures across asset managers, entities, and asset classes, while providing regular assessment of credit risk exposure, including concentrations in risky assets, exposure to assets at risk of downgrade or default, and on industry exposures that are subject to severe stress to the SFGAM Leadership Team.
• Retain a deep and thorough understanding of including key factors that can impact the value of SFGAM’s investments, including, but not limited to, nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO)/National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) rating methodology, regulatory impacts, capital requirements, and drivers of industry/sector/issuer fundamentals throughout the credit cycle.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal investment team members, external key stakeholders, and team members throughout Sammons Financial Group Companies.
• Develop and strive to continually improve investment processes and oversight of the portfolio and third-party asset managers.
• Lead, mentor and coach investment staff to achieve personal growth and build collaboration and accountability across the team. Participate in all aspects of employee management including hiring and termination decisions, coaching for performance improvements and conducting performance reviews.
• Drive and reinforce commitment to internal controls processes such as those under Model Audit Rule and Record Information Management.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director