Head of Fixed Income

Redi Holbourne Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm based in South Africa seeks an experienced Fixed Income team leader. The role involves leading strategic direction, overseeing portfolio managers and credit analysts, and managing fixed income portfolios to achieve investment outcomes. Ideal candidates will have at least 10 years of portfolio management experience, ideally in Fixed Income, with strong relationships in capital markets. This position offers competitive compensation and a dynamic working environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in portfolio management.
• 5–8 years in a senior leadership role within Fixed Income.
• Broad experience managing portfolios across multiple products and asset classes.
• Deep knowledge of capital markets and relationships with key market participants.
• Understanding of South African and international macroeconomic drivers.
• Strong market presence with excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Fixed Income team and investment processes.
• Drive the research and design of fixed income portfolios.
• Oversee credit research and risk management processes.
• Engage in strategic leadership and portfolio oversight.
• Ensure fixed income portfolios meet performance targets and are compliant.

Skills

Business acumen

Client and stakeholder commitment

Driving for results

Leading change and innovation

Collaboration

Impact and influence

Self-awareness and insight

Diversity and inclusiveness

Education

Postgraduate degree

Master’s in Investments or a related field

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Job description

Lead and provide strategic direction for the organisation’s Fixed Income team. Oversee a team of fixed income portfolio managers and credit analysts. Drive research, design, and management of fixed income investment portfolios to achieve desired client and investment outcomes while supporting broader business objectives and strategic requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Portfolio Oversight

• Lead, manage, and provide strategic direction for the organisation’s Fixed Income team, portfolios, products, and investment processes.
• Work directly with the CEO of the Asset Management business to further develop the investment offering, with Fixed Income as a core component.
• Collaborate with internal segments and stakeholders to determine investment requirements.
• Identify and assess new opportunities to expand fixed income strategies, ensuring rigorous due diligence supports effective decision‑making.
• Continuously identify opportunities for growth through interest rate–related investments.
• Oversee the design and implementation of fit‑for‑purpose investment solutions that are robust, efficient, and aligned with client outcomes throughout market cycles.
• Ensure fixed income portfolios meet performance targets and operate within defined risk parameters.
• Engage with cross‑functional investment capabilities to ensure solutions are robust, high‑quality, and integrity tested.
• Provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on diversifying earnings in line with organisational risk appetite.
• Work with the distribution team to develop a pipeline of potential investment opportunities locally and across Africa.
• Influence how fixed income strategies enhance and support broader investment portfolio outcomes.

Research, Credit, and Market Analysis

• Oversee the investment research agenda (local and African markets) to determine best practices, competitive positioning, and market dynamics affecting fixed income strategies.
• Oversee credit research, analysis, and credit risk processes within the Fixed Income team.
• Ensure all credit research and analysis are conducted to the highest standards.
• Translate research insights into relevant investment solutions that address clients’ financial needs and organisational expectations.
• Participate in investment, credit, and governance forums where required.
• Conduct detailed market analysis to identify opportunities and risks within the fixed income universe.
• Implement risk management practices that safeguard investments and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Lead ongoing research to ensure investment solutions incorporate local and African market developments and best practice improvements.

Portfolio Construction & Risk Management

• Oversee the appropriate construction and management of portfolios containing interest rate‑related and interest rate‑sensitive securities.
• Ensure portfolio management and risk management processes are well‑defined, rigorous, and consistently applied.
• Oversee ongoing monitoring and performance measurement of solutions to ensure they remain aligned with defined investment outcomes.

Relationship Building

• Contribute to sustaining a competitive edge through external networking, benchmarking, and representation in industry forums.
• Define client service practices that support a culture of service excellence and long‑term, rewarding relationships.
• Engage with stakeholders to identify evolving client needs and adapt the service offering accordingly.
• Drive improvements in client service and ensure fair client treatment within the area of responsibility.
• Incorporate client feedback into enhancements of daily processes and operating systems.

Leadership & People Management

• Build and lead a high‑performing, future‑fit Fixed Income team, fostering a culture of excellence, ethical conduct, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Recruit and select suitably qualified talent in alignment with organisational values and Employment Equity requirements.
• Proactively manage talent to ensure retention, development, and growth.
• Promote best practices and create an environment of cohesion and ongoing improvement.
• Drive innovation, collaboration, and performance excellence to meet business objectives.
• Manage departmental expenses responsibly and in alignment with approved budgets.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost‑effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Implement and uphold governance, compliance, and risk‑management policies.
• Investigate and report any instances of non‑compliance with organisational policy or ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree required.
• Master’s degree in Investments or a related field is advantageous.Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or similar professional qualification is an advantage.

Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in portfolio management.
• 5–8 years in a senior leadership role within Fixed Income.
• Broad experience managing portfolios across multiple products, asset classes, markets, and industries with a strong track record of performance.
• Deep knowledge of capital markets and strong relationships with key market participants.
• Understanding of South African and international macroeconomic drivers.
• Strong market presence, with excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement ability.

Competencies & Skills

• Business acumen
• Client and stakeholder commitment
• Driving for results
• Leading change and innovation
• Collaboration
• Impact and influence
• Self‑awareness and insight
• Diversity and inclusiveness