Sector Lead Equity Research, Director - Software

Thrivent•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Sector Lead Equity Research, Director is a senior investment professional within Equity Investments who leads and directs work and mentors research analysts covering a broad industry sector, while also serving as a senior research analyst. Reporting to Thrivent’s Director of Research, the role generates high-conviction insights and recommendations that inform portfolio decisions across domestic equity portfolios and active strategies. It is a senior leadership role within the Equity Research Department, but has no direct reports. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on analytical work and interpersonal skills to foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Sector Lead is accountable for a sound investment process and execution intended to achieve above-benchmark performance. Ongoing priorities include developing personnel, improving processes, deepening sector research capabilities, enhancing communication, and aligning work 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 and development.

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.
Ability to work collaboratively within and across teams.
Demonstrated experience in the Software sector 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 CFA designation.
Fifteen or more 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 within assigned sector coverage.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive sector universe, organize tickers into custom subsectors where appropriate, and rank companies based on valuation, operating performance, and market sentiment.
Identify attractive 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 articulate a data- and fact-supported strategic sector view, 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 help portfolio managers anticipate market trends and in delivering well-supported recommendations.
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-team coverage assignments, clarify responsibilities, and eliminate duplication of effort.
Foster collaboration among team members to leverage collective knowledge and improve efficiency.
Meet regularly with the Director of Equity Research to review team structure, assess analyst development needs, and identify improvement opportunities.
Facilitate regular sector-team meetings about 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 reflecting Thrivent’s purpose, promise, and values, and help maintain the trust and reputation of the organization.