Case Study: Ethics and Impact Manager & Fixed Income Portfolio Manager – Funds Management
CLIENT
U Ethical is a not-for-profit ethical investment manager, with their first funds established in 1985 and deep ethical credentials. U Ethical believes in creating a better world by investing with purpose, and manages over $1.1 billion in funds for a range of corporate and institutional, not-for-profit and individual clients.
U Ethical recently engaged Kaizen Recruitment to identify and secure:
an Ethics and Impact manager to lead the ongoing development of its ethical investment policy and portfolio implementation; and
a Portfolio Manager to manage their cash and fixed income portfolio.
CHALLENGE
The management team at U Ethical spent time with Kaizen providing a comprehensive brief of requirements both on the technical aspects of the role as well as the type of person who would best fit the business.
Ethics and Impact Manager
The ideal candidate would need to have demonstrated significant experience in leading the development of ethical investment policies and implementing these closely with investment teams, supported by relevant qualifications.
Portfolio Manager (Cash and Fixed Income)
The ideal candidate would need to have demonstrated experience in managing cash and fixed income products in a portfolio management setting, contributing to the development of investment strategies, supported by relevant qualifications.
Equally important for both positions was the need to find candidates with a passion for ethical investing and making a difference in the wider community. Given the industry is in a period of remote working and onboarding, this also added a level of complexity to securing the commitment of candidates.
SOLUTION
Kaizen ran a multi-pronged search assignment mapping out quality candidates across the Sydney and Melbourne market, which included proactively approaching suitable professionals in a targeted manner to position the opportunity.
Further market data on salaries and bonus structures were compiled during the search process, which was supplied to assist with the offer negotiation process.
Through genuine client partnership and candidate management, Kaizen was able to manage this assignment in facilitating a timely, seamless recruitment and onboarding process.
RESULT
After an extensive search and interview process, Desiree Lucchese was appointed to the position of Ethics and Impact Manager, and Rachel O’Connor was appointed to the Portfolio Manager (Cash and Fixed Income).
Desiree, formerly from MSCI in the ESG Research team, brings with her over 10 years’ experience in sustainability consulting and in ESG.
Rachel, formerly from Vanguard, brings with her more than 20 years’ experience in the management of money market, cash and fixed income portfolios.
TESTIMONIAL
Candidate Testimonial: Desiree Lucchese, Ethics and Impact Manager, U Ethical
“Since meeting the team at Kaizen Recruitment, I have been impressed by the high degree of professionalism and trustworthiness. I can attest to the integrity and market knowledge of these experienced recruiters. Throughout my interview process, it was clear that Kaizen Recruitment’s consultant was masterfully balancing a commitment to excellence for both parties: client and candidate. Kaizen Recruitment’s corporate motto (“aligning client needs with candidate’s career aspirations”) now resonates powerfully as I can confidently state that they stand by it!”
Kaizen Recruitment specialises financial services recruitment across funds management, wealth management, superannuation, investment consulting and insurance. We are based in Melbourne and Sydney. For assistance or further information please telephone our office at +61 3 9095 7157 or submit an online form.
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