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Director Fundamental Research

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We’re actively seeking a talented Director of Fundamental Research to join Pacific Life Fund Advisors in Newport Beach, CA. This role is on-site. You’ll work at our Newport Beach headquarters. We are open to Relocation for the right candidate.

As the Director of Fundamental Research, you’ll play a key role in Pacific Life’s growth and long-term success by generating investment decisions for the Pacific Life Fund Advisors (PLFA) managed strategies ($30 billion) and providing investment expertise to the divisions to drive company-wide initiatives.

How you’ll help move us forward:

  • Drive global macroeconomics research and market fundamental research efforts to generate investment views for a broad array of equity and fixed income asset classes in which PLFA invests across the Pacific Select Fund ($27 billion) and the Aristotle Funds ($3 billion). More specifically, the Director of Fundamental Research is expected to build a research framework based on solid understanding of economy and market, while identifying and incorporating important research work from latest academic and industrial publications. You need to be comfortable code in Python to perform in-depth analysis and collaborate with quantitative research efforts within the asset allocation team.
  • Act as a regional portfolio manager on fixed income while also providing expertise on all asset classes within PLFA-managed portfolios. You will proactively develop investment views by identifying economic growth trends, Fed policies and market themes, monitor geopolitical and market events, articulate and defend investment views to the Investment Committee, maintain oversight and adapt views as necessary. You will then implement investment views via proper investment positioning to achieve outperformance against benchmarks with reasonable risk loadings.
  • The Director of Fundamental Research will be a voting member of the Investment Committee, which is ultimately responsible for approving all investment decisions related to PLFA-managed strategies (e.g. trades, process enhancements, etc.). You will also collaborate with Marketing, Legal and Compliance teams on various initiatives related to running a mutual fund platform (e.g. creating market commentaries, reviewing prospectuses, 15-C, regulatory discussions, etc.). 

The experience you bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree, CFA, FRM, CAIA and/or Ph.D. preferred.
  • At least 7-10 years of investment industry experience on investment research, asset allocation and/or multi-asset portfolio management, preferably with a demonstrable strong track record.
  • In-depth knowledge on global macroeconomics, Fed policies, fixed income, other asset classes such as equities and alternatives, common asset allocation techniques, and risk management.
  • Capable of conducting independent and industry-leading research on global macroeconomics and financial markets based on important industrial and academic research, and capable of coding in Python to build sophisticated analysis and models.
  • Familiarity with 40-Act strategies such as mutual funds, annuities, and ETFs.
  • Good presentation skills and an ability to clearly and succinctly explain complex concepts to various groups.

You can be who you are.
People come first here. We’re committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife. 

#LI-KP1

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$198,810.00 - $242,990.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1  
 

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Average salary estimate

$220900 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$198810K
$242990K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Director Fundamental Research, Pacific Life

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Pacific Life is on the lookout for a talented Director of Fundamental Research to join us in our beautiful Newport Beach, CA headquarters. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to make a significant impact as you guide investment decisions for our Pacific Life Fund Advisors. You’ll be at the forefront of generating insightful investment views across a wide array of asset classes, including equity and fixed income, for our vast managed strategies worth $30 billion. Your role will involve diving deep into global macroeconomic research and building a solid research framework, all while collaborating closely with our quantitative research team. If you have a flair for coding with Python and can translate complex economic data into actionable strategies, we want to hear from you! As part of your responsibilities, you’ll take on the crucial role of a regional portfolio manager, shaping investment outlooks based on current economic trends, Fed policies, and market dynamics. And don’t worry; you’ll never be on this journey alone. You’ll be a vital member of our Investment Committee, driving pivotal investment decisions alongside our dynamic team. Let’s forge a path for Pacific Life’s growth and innovation together. With your advanced education and extensive investment experience, you’ll thrive here. Join us and be part of a mission that empowers you and our policyholders to secure a confident future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director Fundamental Research Role at Pacific Life
What are the key responsibilities of the Director of Fundamental Research at Pacific Life?

The Director of Fundamental Research at Pacific Life is responsible for driving global macroeconomics research and creating investment views across various equity and fixed income asset classes. This role encompasses building a comprehensive research framework and using insights from both academic and industry publications to enhance investment strategies. You'll also act as a regional portfolio manager, developing investment views based on economic trends, and maintaining oversight on investment positions alongside the Investment Committee.

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What qualifications do I need for the Director of Fundamental Research position at Pacific Life?

To qualify for the Director of Fundamental Research position at Pacific Life, you should hold at least a Bachelor's degree, while an advanced degree, CFA, FRM, CAIA, or Ph.D. is preferred. You should have 7-10 years of experience in the investment industry focusing on research and asset allocation, along with an in-depth knowledge of macroeconomics, fixed income, and other asset classes. Proficiency in Python for advanced data analysis and coding is also essential.

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How does the Director of Fundamental Research role contribute to Pacific Life's success?

The Director of Fundamental Research plays a pivotal role in shaping Pacific Life's growth by generating sound investment decisions for our massive managed assets. By conducting thorough research to inform investment strategies, this position helps the firm to outperform benchmarks while managing risk effectively. The director also collaborates with various teams across the company, further driving company-wide initiatives and contributing to a cohesive investment strategy.

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What skills are essential for the Director of Fundamental Research at Pacific Life?

Crucial skills for the Director of Fundamental Research at Pacific Life include strong analytical capabilities, expertise in global macroeconomics, and the ability to conduct industry-leading research. Proficiency in Python programming is vital for in-depth financial analysis. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and presentation abilities are important for conveying complex investment concepts to diverse audiences and collaborative teams.

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What benefits does Pacific Life offer for the Director of Fundamental Research position?

Pacific Life offers an impressive range of benefits for the Director of Fundamental Research position, starting from Day 1 of employment. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, competitive 401(k) matching plans, and paid parental leave. Furthermore, the company places a high value on employee well-being, offering various flexible benefits that cater to your individual needs.

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Common Interview Questions for Director Fundamental Research
What investment strategies do you believe are most effective in the current market environment?

When answering this question, highlight your knowledge of the macroeconomic landscape and explore various investment strategies such as value investing, growth investing, or asset diversification. Provide examples of how these strategies can be applied to current market scenarios, demonstrating your analytical skills and understanding of market trends.

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Can you explain a time when your research led to a successful investment decision?

Share a specific situation where your research resulted in a profitable investment decision, detailing your analytical process, the data you analyzed, and the outcome. Emphasize how your findings contributed positively to the firm’s investment strategy.

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What tools or frameworks do you use for conducting fundamental research?

Discuss the tools and software you use for research, such as statistical analysis software, databases, or Python for analysis. Explain how you leverage these tools to generate data-driven investment insights, enhancing your overall research capabilities.

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How do you approach risk management in your investment strategies?

Your answer should reflect an understanding of different risk management techniques such as diversification, hedging, or value-at-risk assessments. Share examples from past experiences where implementing effective risk management strategies safeguarded your investments.

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Describe how you stay updated with current market trends and economic developments.

Outline your strategies for keeping abreast of market trends, mentioning resources such as financial news platforms, academic journals, or industry conferences. Illustrate how this knowledge informs your investment strategies and decision-making process.

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How do you prioritize research findings and decision-making processes in a collaborative environment?

Discuss your approach to collaboration and prioritization, emphasizing communication tactics you utilize when working with teams. Highlight the importance of making data-driven decisions while balancing insights from diverse team members.

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What are the qualities of a successful investment research team?

Discuss qualities such as strong analytical skills, effective communication, collaboration, and a willingness to stay adaptable. You could also touch on the importance of diversity in thought and experience within a research team to foster innovative investment strategies.

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How do you handle conflicting opinions during investment discussions?

Share your strategies for resolving conflicts, such as focusing on data-backed insights and fostering open dialogue among team members. Emphasize your ability to navigate disagreements positively to ensure final investment decisions are well-informed.

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What experience do you have with coding and data analysis?

Be specific about your coding abilities, particularly in Python, and how you’ve used coding in your previous research roles. Highlight any projects or analyses you've conducted that showcase your technical skills alongside your investment strategies.

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How do you communicate complex investment strategies to non-financial stakeholders?

Explain your approach to simplifying complex concepts through examples and visuals to make ideas more digestible for non-financial audiences. Illustrate with specific experiences where you successfully communicated complicated strategies in an engaging manner.

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If you want to have a career doing purposeful work, surrounded by people you respect, this is the place to be. At Pacific Life, we pledge to give you the support, opportunities, and challenges to help you achieve your personal best, and in return,...

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DATE POSTED
April 23, 2025

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