Investment Manager (Bristol)

At Arbuthnot Latham, we believe investment management is about more than delivering strong financial outcomes. It is about building trusted relationships, understanding what matters most to our clients, and providing thoughtful, personalised advice that stands the test of time. As an Investment Manager in our Bristol office, you will support high-net-worth clients, delivering tailored discretionary investment solutions, insightful market perspectives and exceptional service. Working within a collaborative private banking environment, you will combine investment expertise, commercial acumen and sound judgement to help clients achieve their long-term goals while contributing to the continued growth and success of our Investment Management business.

Client Service & Portfolio Management To take primary responsibility for the management and servicing of discretionary HNW client portfolios, delivering credible, client‑centric investment solutions aligned to agreed objectives, risk profiles and time horizons. To build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships through clear communication, professional judgement and consistently high standards of service, ensuring our proposition remains differentiated in a competitive private banking environment.

Investment Management & Advice To provide suitable, low‑risk investment advice within the firm’s agreed investment philosophy, asset allocation frameworks and model portfolios. To exercise appropriate discretion and judgement in portfolio construction, implementation and ongoing review, ensuring portfolios are managed in line with client objectives, regulatory requirements and internal standards. To oversee trading activity and portfolio monitoring, taking accountability for outcomes.

Research, Analysis & Thought Contribution To conduct, lead and/or contribute to investment research, developing informed views on asset classes, strategies and economies. To translate research and house views into practical portfolio decisions and client communication, supporting both individual client outcomes and the broader Investment Management proposition.

Business Growth & Commercial Contribution To contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Investment Management business through client retention, deepening of existing relationships and support of new client acquisition. To work collaboratively with Private Bankers, Wealth Planners and other partners to develop appropriate investment solutions and present these clearly and compellingly to prospective clients.

Governance, Conduct & Professional Standards To manage all client affairs in a fully compliant manner, adhering to FCA and PRA Conduct Rules, Treating Customers Fairly principles and internal policies and procedures. To take ownership of conduct and investment risks inherent in the role, ensuring issues are identified, escalated and managed appropriately. To act at all times with integrity, professionalism and sound judgement, representing the firm positively to clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Advice / Personal Recommendations

• Gather and analyse client financial information to understand objectives, constraints and risk appetite, and provide suitable personal recommendations restricted to investment management services.
• Ensure recommendations are clearly documented, appropriate, and aligned with client objectives, regulatory requirements and agreed house investment frameworks.

Client Relationship Management & Portfolio Management

• Deliver outstanding service to HNW clients through strong relationships, clear communication and a deep understanding of individual objectives, including risk profile, income requirements and time horizon.
• Take primary responsibility for ongoing portfolio management, ensuring portfolios are monitored, reviewed and managed in line with FCA/PRA requirements and internal policies.
• Oversee portfolio dealing activity and adherence to team‑agreed models, ensuring client objectives remain at the forefront of implementation and review.
• Act with integrity, professionalism and discretion at all times, reflecting the standards expected by private banking and HNW clients.

Investment Research & Analysis

• Lead and/or contribute to investment research and market analysis, covering defined asset classes, sub‑asset classes or strategies.
• Formulate and present well‑reasoned recommendations to support changes to client portfolios and house views.
• Research may include collective investments, structured products and direct securities (equities and bonds), with appropriate consideration of risk, liquidity and suitability.

Commercial Contribution

• Support business development activities, including prospecting for new clients and working collaboratively with Private Bankers and Wealth Planners to win new mandates.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret client objectives and articulate an appropriate investment solution aligned to risk and income requirements.
• Prepare and deliver high‑quality client presentations and investment proposals.

Conduct & Regulatory Risk

• Maintain a strong understanding of, and strict adherence to, internal policies, procedures and regulatory obligations, including FCA Conduct Rules and Treating Customers Fairly principles.
• Complete all mandatory training and ensure client affairs are managed in a compliant, well‑controlled manner.
• Proactively identify, escalate and manage regulatory and conduct risks inherent in the role.

Company

• Represent the firm professionally at all times, internally and externally, ensuring actions do not compromise the Bank financially, reputationally or culturally.
• Work closely with the DIM / SIM to foster a high‑performance team culture, maintaining exceptional client service standards and upholding the Bank’s Values and Commitments.
• Act as a positive role model for junior team members through behaviour, professionalism and technical standards. Where responsible for line management of non‑certified staff, take accountability for their ongoing learning and development, including coaching, knowledge transfer, performance support and progression aligned to role requirements.

Projects

• Participate in, or lead, ad‑hoc projects supporting the development, efficiency and effectiveness of the Investment Management function.

Risk:

Key Interfaces:

• Wealth Planning Team
• Private Banking Team
• Executive Management Team
• Clients (& Client representatives)

Person Specification

Knowledge / Experience / Skills

• Role falls within the FCA Certification Regime, with responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrable experience as an Investment Manager within an HNW private client environment, with primary responsibility for managing client relationships and portfolios.
• Strong end ‑ to ‑ end understanding of discretionary investment management, including suitability, portfolio construction, implementation and ongoing reviews.
• Completion of at least Level 6 RDR ‑ compliant investment or wealth management qualification (e.g. CISI PICAM, Wealth Management Master’s or CFA) evidencing a solid technical foundation.
• Eligible for, or holding, a current Statement of Professional Standing (SPS) and any required regulatory approvals (e.g.  Certification Regime (Certified Function) where applicable).
• Sound understanding of regulatory, conduct and investment risk considerations, with the ability to identify, manage and escalate risks appropriately.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret research, market data and house views and apply them effectively to client portfolios.
• Confident, credible communicator able to engage professionally with HNW clients, intermediaries and senior internal stakeholders.
• Well ‑ developed organisational skills, capable of managing multiple client portfolios, priorities and deadlines while maintaining consistently high standards.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to contribute to client retention, relationship deepening and new business activity in collaboration with colleagues.
• Comfortable operating with autonomy and accountability, while working within agreed house investment philosophy, policies and model frameworks.

Key Skills

• Conducts client reviews and delivers suitable personal recommendations, exercising sound judgement aligned to client objectives and house views.
• Strong understanding of modern portfolio theory, asset allocation and the impact of market, credit, liquidity and behavioural risks
• Able to contribute to and then follow house policy and models. (This role will not appeal to those who do not wish to follow mutually agreed house models.)
• High standard of professionalism, integrity and discretion, maintaining trust and long ‑ term client relationships
• Resilient and effective under pressure, managing competing demands without compromising risk, quality or client outcomes
• A collaborative team player who contributes positively to the development and capability of a small, high ‑ performing investment team
• Demonstrates ownership and accountability for investment, conduct and client outcomes
• Proactive, commercially minded and engaged in the ongoing development of the Investment Management proposition

Qualifications

• Holds a Level 6 RDR‑compliant Investment or Wealth Management qualification (Level 7 or equivalent preferred). (e.g. CISI PICAM, Wealth Management Master’s or CFA) evidencing a solid technical foundation.

Competencies:

• Business & Commercial Focus
• Service Excellence / Client Focus
• Creativity / Entrepreneurial thinking
• Communication & Confidence
• Working Proactively
• Expert Knowledge
• Planning & Reviewing
• Problem Solving & Judgement