Job Description

Senior Director – Thematic Investment Strategy

Location: London, UK
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

• An exciting opportunity to drive thematic investing at AustralianSuper, one of the world’s largest long‑term institutional investors.
• Working closely with other senior investment professionals across public and private markets to translate long‑term structural trends into actionable investment insights.
• Focusing on identifying, developing and commercialising major themes shaping global returns over coming decades.
  

About Us

AustralianSuper is the largest pension fund in Australia and the 16th largest in the world by total assets. With over £200bn in assets under management, we are a fast-growing fund with a world-class investment team. We invest across global financial markets, real assets, private credit, and private equity to deliver sustainable, long-term performance for our members.
At AustralianSuper, our purpose is clear: helping members achieve their best financial position in retirement. As a global investor with collaborative, insight driven teams across multiple international offices, we operate for the long term and focus on excellent outcomes for members.

The Opportunity

This is a unique chance to lead our Thematic Research agenda within Asset Allocation. Based in London and reporting to the Head of Global Macroeconomic Research, you will investigate secular themes—geopolitics, social and demographic change, technology and more—and coordinate research across asset classes to inform portfolio strategy and positioning. You’ll deliver actionable market and economic insights that support investment strategy, processes and performance to benefit members.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead thematic research across key secular themes that stand to influence the outlook of the global economy over the medium and long-term.
• Influence the fund’s investment portfolio by translating the research into clear investable implications.
  Coordinate Thematic team’s research with key asset class researchers to deliver investment specific research opportunities to translate thematic research into total portfolio/AA implications
• Lead discussions with governing committee to set the annual thematic research agenda.
• Work with the investment strategy team to provide thematic research to support the investment strategy for the diversified options. This includes the contribution of opinions and ideas and research as required into the setting of the asset allocation for all the diversified investment options.

What You’ll Bring

We’re seeking an experienced research leader who thrives in a collaborative, global environment and can synthesize complex information into clear, convincing investment conclusions.

To excel in this role, you’ll need:

• Post‑graduate qualifications in Economics, Econometrics or a related field; advanced quantitative modelling skills and experience with statistical/econometric software.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate research across teams and locations; comfort working independently within a small, collaborative setting.
• A strong grasp of how secular themes affect the structure and operation of the global economy, and how they translate to portfolio risks/opportunities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, accuracy and attention to detail; a self‑starter mindset with high energy and drive.
• Extensive experience with an institutional investment manager/fund, investment bank or research house, delivering significant research projects with financial and/or economic data.

Desired: CFA/CAIA (or similar), experience allocating/investing in multi‑asset portfolios, and a track record in preparing and presenting research findings.

Why Join Us?

Life at AustralianSuper: Our London and New York offices are home to nearly 300 talented colleagues, with plans to grow significantly. We offer great benefits, including generous leave, leading pension contributions, health insurance, and a blended working environment. We are committed to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring everyone can thrive.

At AustralianSuper, we truly care about our colleagues.​ We know work and life are intertwined. That’s why we support the diverse needs of everyone and have policies that enable us all to thrive and be truly flexible. We ensure diversity is celebrated for the opportunity it provides us all to learn and grow and deliver better outcomes for members. We are dedicated to building a high-performance environment underpinned by a strong risk culture, ensuring we deliver the best outcomes for our members.

Enjoy a hybrid working model and a modern office in the heart of London - Kings Cross, one of the core assets of the Fund’s global portfolio!

What’s Next: Apply now if you share our values of Energy, Integrity, Generosity of Spirit, and Excellent Outcomes. Join us in a challenging, growing, and rapidly evolving team to deliver outstanding results.

Progress, powered by purpose.

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