Senior Portfolio Manager – Hedging

About This Job

LGPS Central

Location: Wolverhampton, England, United Kingdom

Work Mode: On-site

Industry: Investment Management, Pension Funds

Job Description

Join LGPS Central at a pivotal moment, where investment meets long-term impact.

This role is based in Wolverhampton and will play a key part in developing and delivering LGPS Central’s hedging investment solutions in support of the government’s Fit for the Future agenda.

The postholder will work closely with the Head of Alternatives & Hedging Solutions to build, implement and manage hedging portfolio solutions that meet the needs of Partner Funds and wider stakeholders. This will include responsibility for research, portfolio construction, manager selection, oversight and ongoing monitoring, while ensuring that portfolios are managed in line with LGPS Central’s investment, responsible investment, risk and compliance frameworks.

As a senior member of the team, the postholder will also help shape the development of the function, contribute to a strong investment culture, and represent LGPS Central credibly with Partner Funds, managers and other key stakeholders.

This role is a certified role under the Senior Manager’s Certification Regime and will be subject to assessments in Fitness and Propriety and any other regulatory requirements.

What You'll Be Doing

Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management

• Work with the Head of Alternatives & Hedging Solutions on the development and implementation of hedging investment solutions
• Support the design of solutions that meet Partner Fund requirements, government expectations and relevant legislative or regulatory requirements
• Build and manage multi-manager hedging portfolio solutions
• Contribute strategic views and implement investment decisions within agreed mandates and governance parameters
• Lead or support strategy research, manager selection, portfolio construction and ongoing portfolio monitoring
• Ensure portfolios are managed within agreed objectives, limits and risk parameters

Oversight, Monitoring and Reporting

• Deliver a transparent, auditable and repeatable investment process for hedging solutions
• Source and assess appropriate investment opportunities and external managers
• Oversee and monitor managers and portfolio holdings on an ongoing basis
• Evaluate portfolio performance, risk, implementation and outcomes, and escalate issues where appropriate
• Help ensure that reporting for hedging solutions meets the needs of Partner Funds and internal stakeholders

Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Embed and monitor risk and compliance requirements in line with the Company’s Risk and Compliance Framework
• Support the development and operation of an appropriate first line of defence control framework within the Investment Team
• Ensure investment activity is delivered in line with internal policies, governance standards and delegated authority arrangements
• Integrate LGPS Central’s responsible investment approach into the investment process and culture, including consideration of ESG risks and stewardship-related factors where relevant

Leadership and Team Contribution

• Deputise for the Head of Alternatives & Hedging Solutions when required, including at Investment Committee, client meetings and committee presentations
• Assist with recruitment and the ongoing development of team capability as the function grows
• Line manage and support analysts where applicable, helping to build a high-performing and collaborative team culture
• Champion a rigorous, research-based and accountable investment culture across LGPS Central
• Take responsibility for projects delegated by the Investment Directors and ensure they are appropriately resourced and delivered on time and to budget

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong and credible relationships with Partner Funds, colleagues, managers and other external stakeholders
• Act as an ambassador for LGPS Central within the investment community and with relevant stakeholders
• Present clearly and confidently on portfolio matters, strategy and performance where required

About Us

LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for fourteen local authority pension funds across the Midlands.

LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.

Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.

Requirements

Significant experience in:

• sourcing, researching and monitoring hedging strategies and solutions, including portfolio construction
• management and oversight of investment portfolios, including evaluation of performance and risk
• collaborative investment decision-making and portfolio management at a senior level
• external manager research, selection and oversight

Qualifications:

• CFA or equivalent qualification/relevant investment experience
• Preferably degree level or equivalent in relevant discipline
• Has or can meet all the requirements of being an FCA approved person

What Do We Offer?

We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer.

Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy:

• Competitive salary
• An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
• 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
• 2 days paid volunteering days
• An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
• Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
• Welfare and Family friendly policies
• Enhanced pay for new parents
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme 247 Health & Wellbeing Support
• Vitality Private Medical Insurance
• Hybrid Working
• Company Service Awards
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Electric Vehicle Scheme

Awards:

• Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023
• Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023
• Winner of LAPF Investment Innovation
• Winner of Pool of the Year 2025