About the role:
As a senior member of Morningstar’s Manager Research team in Japan, the Associate Director plays a leading role in Morningstar’s manager research operation in Japan, delivering high quality and timely research to investors and clients. In addition to conducting fund due diligence and writing research reports, the Associate Director is charged with promoting Morningstar’s mission and research capabilities through our global thought leadership program, along with active engagements with the external market on key investment and industry issues that are relevant to Japanese investors. The role is based in our Tokyo office.
Job responsibilities:
• Take the lead in producing high quality and timely manager research reports; assist analysts in formulating and defending our opinions on investment strategies through report editing and in rating committees; contribute to the link up with global analyst teams.
• Enhance Morningstar’s research profile in Japan through active engagements with the external market (wealth managers, media, regulators, and clients) in areas including (but not limited to) industry trends and development, policy and other investment issues that are relevant to Japanese investors.
• Strengthen perceptions of Morningstar’s research capabilities in Japan through contributions to the international thought leadership program and production of local research content.
• Support ongoing client deliverables of Morningstar’s investment advisory offerings in Japan. Help drive and develop scalable ways of delivering better services to Morningstar’s client segments.
• Actively promote Morningstar’s investment advisory capabilities when interacting with Morningstar’s target audience and prospects.
• Handle ad-hoc client enquiries and undertake administrative and/or analytical work as required.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in finance or business-related discipline; Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and/or MBA is desirable.
• At least 7-10 years of investment-related experience, working in a manager research and/or portfolio management role. Understanding of Japan-based investment managers would be viewed favourably.
• A keen knowledge of financial markets that has been developed both personally and professionally;
• Strong written and verbal English and Japanese communication skills, with a demonstrable track record in writing succinct analysis.
• Solid presentation skills; experience with the media, clients, and large audiences is preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills with good grasp of statistics.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, work independently and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
• Independent, experienced researcher who is passionate and familiar with modern finance and investment theory. Portfolio construction and asset allocation experience will be viewed favourably
• Demonstrable interest in industry trends and development, along with regulation and policies that are relevant to Japanese investors.
• Aptitude to build effective relationships with key stakeholders and a demonstrable ability to influence internal stakeholders to build consensus amid competing priorities.
• Skilled with PC and mainstream software packages. Experience with Morningstar Direct is an advantage.
Morningstar is an equal opportunity employer.
J70_IbbotJapanKK Ibbotson Japan K.K. Legal Entity
Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis, at least three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you’ll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
