Head of Manager Research

Fiduciary Trust Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Fiduciary Trust Company in Boston seeks a seasoned Head of Manager Research to source, evaluate, and oversee external investment managers for client portfolios. The role reports to the CIO and shapes investment governance and strategy.

Leading a team of analysts, you will drive manager selection, ongoing monitoring, and risk-aware portfolio guidance, with engagement across Investment Officers and client teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of investment experience with at least 5+ years in manager research.
• Proven track record leading manager selection and monitoring processes.
• Strong quantitative skills, performance attribution, risk analytics.
• Experience presenting to and influencing investment committees and senior stakeholders.
• People leadership experience, or readiness to lead and develop a growing team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end manager selection process across asset classes.
• Lead operational due diligence with Compliance and Legal teams.
• Monitor approved managers, including performance attribution and risk.
• Maintain a robust manager research framework and governance.
• Present recommendations to CIO, Investment Committee, and client teams.
• Engage with cross-functional stakeholders and contribute to market views.

Skills

Investment experience

Manager research

Leadership

Quantitative skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Team management

Tools

Manager research databases

Job description

Fiduciary Trust Company (\"FTC\") is a leading and long-standing wealth management firm, managing more than $11 billion of client assets for individuals, families, charities, family offices, and RIAs. The company was founded in 1885 as a family office and incorporated as a trust bank in 1928. Throughout its over 140-year history, FTC has maintained a proud tradition of providing clients with objective, holistic advice to meet their comprehensive financial needs. This steadfast commitment to providing clients with exceptional service and investment performance has resulted in an average annual client retention rate of 98% for over a decade.

FTC currently has over 150 dedicated employees, bringing years of experience and industry perspective. The close-knit culture and team approach facilitates a firm-wide dedication to client satisfaction, high ethical standards, and sophisticated solutions for its clients. The firm manages client investments using an “open architecture” approach that accesses top-tier managers and alternative investments, while allowing for direct management of individual stocks and bonds. FTC offers industry-leading expertise in trust and estate administration and access to New Hampshire’s favorable trust laws through its affiliate, Fiduciary Trust Company of New England. FTC’s range of services also includes experienced estate and financial planning, philanthropic advice and foundation management, tax planning and tax return preparation, asset custody, reporting, and a broad array of family office support.

The company operates an evolving technology ecosystem that supports wealth management, trust administration, custody, investment management, compliance, client servicing, and enterprise operations. The company continues to invest in modernization, integration, data strategy, cybersecurity, and AI-enabled productivity initiatives to enhance both client experience and operational efficiency.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Head of Manager Research to lead the sourcing, due diligence, selection, and ongoing oversight of external investment managers and funds used across our client portfolios.

The individual in this role will report to the CIO, and be a trusted voice for the Investment Committee, a leader of the manager research function and process, and a partner in shaping overall investment strategy and firm-wide investment governance. The Head of Manager Research will be expected to provide thought leadership both internally and externally on investment matters.

This role requires an experienced research professional with the proven ability to lead, influence and directly shape the firm’s investment strategy and client outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

Manager Research and Due Diligence

• Own the end-to-end manager selection process across asset classes, including sourcing, screening, qualitative and quantitative due diligence, and making final recommendations.
• Lead operational due diligence in coordination with the Operations and Corporate Legal and Compliance Departments, as appropriate.
• Conduct and document ongoing monitoring of approved managers, including performance attribution, risk, organizational and operational change.
• Maintain a robust, well-documented manager research framework and approved manager list. Will lead the manager offboarding process in line with recommendation updates.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Analysts, setting priorities, reviewing work product, and building team capabilities.
• Set research agenda and coverage priorities for the team.
• Serve as a senior member of the Investments team, contributing to broader asset allocation, portfolio construction, and market views.
• Build a high-performing team culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Investment Committee and Governance

• Present manager recommendations, reviews, and actions to the CIO, Investment Committee, and client-facing team including Investment Officers.
• Maintain and evolve manager research governance including documentation standards, conflicts of interest policies, and monitoring frequency.
• Ensure the manager research process meets fiduciary, regulatory, and audit requirements.

Client and Firm Engagement

• Represent the Investments team in cross-functional discussions with Investment Officers and client-facing teams, as well as in prospect and client meetings.
• Support Investment Officers with manager insights, talking points, and due diligence materials.
• Contribute to client communications, market commentary, and internal thought leadership on manager selection and portfolio strategy.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 10+ years of Investment experience with at least 5+ years of direct experience with manager research / due diligence.
• Proven track record leading manager selection and monitoring processes, ideally within a family office, endowment or foundation, Outsourced-Chief Investment Officer firm, or wealth management. Working knowledge of tax sensitivities inherent in managing investments for taxable clients (as distinct from tax-exempt endowments and foundations) a plus.
• Strong quantitative skills, performance attribution, risk analytics, portfolio construction knowledge.
• Experience presenting to and influencing investment committees and senior stakeholders.
• People leadership experience, or clear readiness to lead and develop a growing team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience across both traditional and alternative strategies.
• Familiarity with manager research databases and tools.

Compensation Information: Annual base salary for this role is $175,000 - $275,000 based on experience and qualifications. This role may also be eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus.