Head of Alternatives

Craigs Investment Partners; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave – 26 weeks pay top up

Flexible work options

Annual health check

Job summary

Craigs Investment Partners is seeking a Head of Alternatives to lead the alternatives investment capability within the Investment Strategy Group. The role focuses on governance, manager selection, due diligence, portfolio construction and adviser education to enhance client portfolios.

Based in Auckland or Tauranga, you will partner with senior leaders and develop a forward-looking pipeline of opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in investment industries, especially alternatives.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and commercial judgement.
• Ability to explain complex investment concepts clearly to advisers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the alternatives investment framework including governance and due diligence standards.
• Lead research and due diligence across private equity, private credit, infrastructure and related strategies.
• Collaborate with senior investment leaders to define the strategic role of alternatives in client portfolios.
• Identify high-quality opportunities and maintain a pipeline of strategies and managers.
• Produce research content and adviser education that translates concepts into practical insights.
• Coach and develop direct reports and foster a high-performing team.

Skills

Investment expertise

Portfolio management

Stakeholder communication

People leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Commerce/Finance/Economics

CFA charter

Job description

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About the role

At Craigs (CIP) we are focused on helping our clients to achieve their financial goals and grow their wealth. We believe that where a client’s financial future is concerned, our people are fundamental to achieving this. Our collective skills, knowledge and commitment means that we can provide the best possible outcomes for our clients.

The Head of Alternatives is in the Investment Strategy Group (ISG), a trusted centre of investment excellence that provides thought leadership, rigorous research and disciplined portfolios for advisers and clients. This role is responsible for building and leading CIPs’ alternatives investment capability, including research, product strategy, portfolio design and integration, and adviser and client education. The role partners closely with the Specialised Wealth Advisory Team and will help shape the strategic role of alternative investments within client portfolios at CIP. This is a full-time permanent role, based in Auckland or Tauranga.

Reporting to the Head of ISG, the role is responsible for:

• Developing and maintaining CIPs’ alternatives investment framework, including governance, manager selection criteria, due diligence standards, portfolio construction principles and ongoing review processes.
• Leading research and investment due diligence across a broad range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real assets, hedge funds and other growth, income and diversifying strategies.
• Working closely with senior investment leaders and key stakeholders to determine the strategic role of alternatives within diversified client portfolios.
• Identifying and evaluating high-quality alternative investment opportunities and maintaining a forward-looking pipeline of relevant strategies, managers and market developments.
• Producing research content and adviser education that translates complex alternative investment concepts into practical, accessible insights.
• Leading, coaching and developing direct report/s, setting clear expectations and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

About you

This role will suit an experienced investment professional with deep expertise across alternative investments, private markets and diversified strategies. You will bring significant experience ideally within portfolio management, research, portfolio construction, wealth management, product strategy or a related environment, as well as:

• A tertiary qualification in Commerce, Finance, Economics or related discipline, or a CFA charter.
• Deep understanding of financial markets, economic cycles, asset allocation, and the integration of alternatives into diversified portfolios.
• Advanced quantitative, analytical and commercial judgement, with the ability to assess performance, risk, portfolio outcomes and suitability for different client objectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex investment concepts clearly and credibly to advisers, clients and other stakeholders.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence across internal teams, external managers, research consultants and other industry participants.
• Demonstrated people leadership capability, including the ability to coach, develop and support direct reports through clear expectations, regular feedback and constructive performance conversations.
• Sound judgement, integrity, curiosity, resilience and a proactive approach to continuous improvement, innovation and industry best practice.

About the Company

CIP is a multi-award-winning investment advisory firm which is one of the largest in New Zealand. With over 20 offices located throughout the country and over 600 employees, Craigs offers solutions and advice to both private investors, as well as corporate and institutional clients.

• Craigs Community / Volunteer Day
• Additional week of leave (conditions apply)
• Other leave (such as sick, bereavement, and family violence leave) from first day of employment
• Parental leave - 26 weeks’ pay ‘top up’ for eligible Primary Carers
• Annual Health Check and flu vaccinations
• Flexible work options
• Savings benefits and preferential insurance rates

Why Craigs?

We pride ourselves on creating an environment where our people feel they belong and can bring their best self to work and feel valued. We grow as a team and with our clients and are always looking to support our communities – both internal and external. Our values build the foundation of how we work and how we provide great outcomes for our people and our clients.

• We are stronger together
• We strive for excellence
• We put people first
• We do what’s right