Equity Investment Specialist

Job Description

Role Context

The role is an Associate Investment Specialist working closely with the Abrdn Asian Equites and wider Active Equity teams, working as part of a team to lead the commercial activity for our Asian franchise.

The abrdn Active Equities team is dedicated to finding great companies across the world through first-hand, forward looking, fundamental research.

By rigorously assessing companies on their business model, sustainability and competitive advantage, we seek out the current and potential leaders and innovators that can help deliver long-term returns for investors. Often we identify quality that’s not yet seen or mispriced by the market - or spot imminent change that is set to transform a company’s prospects.

As well as delivering financial return, we are committed to using equity investment to drive greater sustainability for people and planet. We actively engage with companies to raise standards of environmental, social and governance practices - and support those companies leading the global transition to net zero carbon emissions.

The role will work predominately with the Asian Equities team and clients, but will also be responsible for importing strategies managed by other abrdn Active Equities teams to clients in the region. The Asia team are a large, dedicated and experienced team with a strong culture. They have been successfully managing Asian portfolios for 30 years and manage a suite of strategies including regional and country portfolios across Quality, Income, Smaller Companies and Sustainable Investing propositions.

Role Purpose

The role holder will focus on the following areas:
- Client - drive prospecting and retention activity for the asset class. Develop key sales messages appropriate for channel and evolving client needs.-
- Commercial - in partnership with the Client Group drive delivery of the commercial plan covering distribution engagement, campaigns including launches and providing client input into product range management.- Collaboration - proactively work with other areas of the business (including asset class management, Product Strategy and Client Group teams) to deliver better results with efficiency.

Key Outcomes / Responsibilities- Champion commercial objectivity and prioritisation of opportunities for Active Equities.-
- Engage with Client Group teams globally and build relationships to grow abrdn Active Equities with clients, prospects and consultants alike.- Identify and communicate the strengths of each proposition, ensure consistency of key messages.- Actively promote active Equities strategies by overseeing the preparation of tailored materials and working with the RFP team to ensure RFP responses are of the highest quality. Ensure consistency of approach globally while ensuring messaging is ‘fit for purpose locally’.- Work closely with the relevant investment, Product and Client Group teams to manage the product offering.- Foster an innovative and collegiate environment that drives strong education, support, promotion and development of strategies within the Equities suite.- Ensure abrdn is seen as an industry leader in terms of innovation through constant analysis and interpretation of industry, market and client trends and needs.

Core Knowledge- Deep Knowledge of Investment markets and relevant products- A strong working knowledge and experience of working within an Equity environment- A thorough knowledge of key competition and the competitive environment for Equities- A good working knowledge of the legal and regulatory provisions associated with the role

Core Skills- Sound business and investment knowledge- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills- Ability to build and nurture personal relationships with a diverse range of people/personalities at a variety of different levels- Ability to write professional and accurately on markets

**Qualifications**:
The role holder is expected to hold a good degree as well as strong investment knowledge and knowledge of the wider industry. Appropriate industry qualifications will be viewed favourably.

Competencies- Teamwork - will support others and will build relationships with colleagues within and out with immediate business area.- Tenacity/resilience - Sees barriers as a challenge and will identify ways to overcome challenges.- Creates client value - works hard to understand the needs of internal and external customers and tailors approach appropriately.- Takes initiative - is proactive and takes the lead in identifying information and opportunities for building positive relationships with key customers.- Drive - is motivated to get results and personally develop.- Communicating and influencing - enthusiastic when dealing with others and listens to customer needs. Uses a range of influencing tools and techniques to persuade others to act.- Information gathering - works hard to collate information to ensure full picture is understood and decisions can be made. Must be a