Manager, Product Strategy & Competitive Intelligence

About AGF:

Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three distinct business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners, and AGF Private Wealth. AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible, and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative, and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net-worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and foundations.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Director, Portfolio Consulting & Competitive Intelligence, the Manager will support AGF Investments’ (AGFI) breadth of products with a goal of accelerating the achievement of client and business objectives. The Manager will be responsible for subject matter expertise on AGFI’s products to deliver timely and insightful product-related research and intelligence, support business development activities, and play an active role in any new or ongoing product initiatives.

The Manager will also be a key contributor to AGFI’s Portfolio Consulting services which is overseen by AGFI’s Product team. Portfolio Consulting is a value-add service aimed at supporting the evolution of model portfolios employed by clients by delivering analysis that provides insights into how new allocations can work most efficiently in combination with other assets in a model in order to illustrate the impact and benefits at the portfolio level. The manager will be responsible for handling case requests that include peer analysis, portfolio modeling, performance/risk calculations, and constructing presentations.

Your Responsibilities:

Product Management & Development:

• Act as subject matter expert on AGFI’s investment strategies distributed through retail and institutional sales channels.
• Ongoing oversight of product shelf of mutual funds and ETFs across different asset classes including multi-asset solutions, equity, fixed income, and alternatives. This includes recurring needs such as regulatory filings and pricing reviews, as well as support of various initiatives including product changes/enhancements to ensure AGF’s investment solutions remain competitive.
• Participate in new product research initiatives with a particular emphasis on market positioning and go-to-market strategy, and support product launches with preparation of FAQ guides, training, and education packages.
• Analyze business needs and objectives and participate in the development and implementation of strategic product plans, including ongoing operational management and support.
• Support AGF sub-advisor relationships including managing recurring due diligence calls and assistance with delivering strategy insights and commentaries.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional business partners across investment management, marketing, operations, legal, compliance, and other teams.
• Develop appropriate product reporting and analysis to contribute to marketing positioning and distribution opportunities.

Research & Analysis:

• Develop a solid understanding of markets, competitors, product and regulatory trends, and client needs to effectively inform decisions on product changes/enhancements, new product concepts, and other strategic initiatives.
• Analyze, evaluate and report on competitors’ investment offerings, development efforts, and market share. Track product evolution and broad investment industry trends.
• Maintain and support current reporting and contribute to the development and direction of new insights and reporting.
• Model and test various product-related concepts such as benchmark changes, different allocations, and fund combinations.

Portfolio Consulting:

• Responsible for preparing illustrations and analytical reports highlighting performance and risk analytics on various investments and portfolios while ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Conduct detailed portfolio analysis and portfolio construction with a focus on balancing portfolio objectives and constraints with investment products of interest.
• Contribute to new projects related to the further development of Portfolio Consulting services including subjects such as risk management, performance attribution, and ESG measurement.
• Work to drive the growth of Portfolio Consulting services through ongoing engagement and education activities with regional Sales teams and Strategic Accounts.
• Continually track activity and prepare periodic updates.
• Responsible for preparing presentations; liaising with the PC team, Sales, and clients to arrange meetings.

Your Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A University degree in business, finance, economics, or a field relevant to the role.
• Accreditations and certifications that reflect knowledge of the investment/asset management industry such as the CSC, CIM, CFA, CAIA, CIFC, etc.
• Working knowledge of Morningstar Direct, eVestment, Preqin, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and a high degree of familiarity with investment and wealth management research tools/services.
• Working knowledge of cross-asset class investment strategies that utilize fundamental, quantitative, or hybrid investment processes.
• Intermediate understanding of investment management processes including topics such as assessing client objectives, asset allocation and diversification, risk management, and modern portfolio theory.
• Knowledge of the Canadian mutual fund and ETF industry as well as the investment advisory business required.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the asset management industry, with demonstrated experience in investment product management.
• Direct experience supporting retail and institutional distribution channels both domestic and international.
• Working knowledge of alternative and sustainable investing practices, strategies, products, frameworks, and market trends or interest in learning.
• Motivated self-starter with exceptional planning, attention to detail, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
• Strong ability to multi-task and manage multiple complex initiatives on an ongoing basis.

No unsolicited agency referrals please.

AGF is an equal opportunity employer. AGF welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request in all aspects of our recruitment and selection process. It is the Company's policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely on the basis of their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best qualified person for the job. AGF does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability or any other status or condition protected by applicable legislation.