Sector Lead Equity Research, Director - Software

Thrivent • Minneapolis, MN

1d

About The Position

The Sector Lead Equity Research, Director is a senior investment professional in Thrivent’s Equity Investments group. The role leads and directs research work and mentors analysts covering the Software sector, while also serving as a senior research analyst. Reporting to the Director of Research, the Sector Lead develops high-conviction insights and recommendations that inform decisions across domestic equity portfolios and active strategies. This is a senior leadership role within the Equity Research Department, though it has no direct reports.

The position combines strategic leadership with hands-on analysis. It is accountable for a sound investment process and its execution to support above-benchmark performance, as well as personnel development, continuous process improvement, stronger sector research capabilities, effective communication, and alignment with the firm’s investment objectives. Success requires intellectual curiosity, integrity, humility, a team-oriented mindset, a passion for investing, and commitment to continuous learning.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant equity investment professional experience.
• At least 3 years leading or mentoring investment research professionals.
• A master’s degree in finance, business, economics, or a related area, or a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills.
• Strong investment acumen and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and the ability to collaborate within and across teams.
• Demonstrated Software sector experience and comprehensive knowledge of the broader investment universe.
• Ability to analyze growth catalysts, competitive positioning, and industry dynamics, including platform shifts and disruptive trends.
• Deep understanding of the sector’s technical foundations and key operational drivers.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data and make informed decisions.
• Initiative in identifying and pursuing investment opportunities.
• High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field, plus the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
• At least 15 years of experience in equity research or a related financial role.
• At least 5 years leading research professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication, implementation, and ongoing refinement of a systematic investment process to identify risks and opportunities in the assigned sector.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive sector universe, organize companies into custom subsectors where appropriate, and rank companies based on valuation, operating performance, and market sentiment.
• Identify investment opportunities, conduct rigorous research, and deliver clear, actionable recommendations.
• Improve the equity investment process by sharing tools, insights, and process enhancements across the research platform.
• Incorporate multiple investment styles and portfolio management approaches into sector analysis.
• Formulate and communicate a data-supported strategic view of the sector, engaging analysts to ensure alignment and depth.
• Monitor near- and long-term sector developments and train analysts to identify winners and losers across market capitalizations and investment styles.
• Support analysts in developing industry outlooks that position portfolio managers ahead of market trends and in delivering recommendations supported by data and facts.
• Establish a sector-level view of expectations, sentiment, and behavioral dynamics to guide conviction, risk management, and portfolio positioning.
• Lead analysts in recognizing narrative-driven environments and regime shifts, challenging consensus, and mitigating behavioral biases in recommendations.
• Own the sector-wide valuation philosophy, uphold best practices, and audit modeling quality across coverage.
• Manage team workflows and take accountability for overall work quality and performance.
• Oversee sector coverage assignments, clarify responsibilities, and eliminate duplicated effort.
• Foster collaboration among team members to leverage shared knowledge and improve efficiency.
• Meet regularly with the Director of Equity Research to review team structure, analyst development needs, and opportunities for improvement.
• Facilitate regular sector team meetings on investment processes, research priorities, and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborate with analysts and portfolio managers across industries, market capitalizations, and investment styles.
• Participate in cross-industry research initiatives to enhance firm-wide insights.
• Serve as the primary liaison between analysts and portfolio management teams, ensuring timely communication of significant sector developments.
• Model Thrivent’s leadership competencies: Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.
• Support or develop an environment focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and commitment to clients.
• Shape or support a culture that reflects Thrivent’s purpose, promise, and values and sustains clients’ trust and confidence.

Benefits

• Various bonuses, including annual or long-term incentives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending account.
• 401(k).
• Pension.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Supplemental protection insurance.
• 20 days of paid time off each year.
• Sick and Safe Time.
• 10 paid company holidays.
• Volunteer Time Off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

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