Research Analyst

Sanlam; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm in Cape Town seeks a Senior Research Analyst to evaluate and select external investment managers. The role involves conducting deep analysis to provide insights for investment committees and monitoring existing managers. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant experience and strong analytical skills. A global perspective on markets is essential. This is an excellent opportunity to grow within a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Opportunities for growth and development

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in manager research or investment consulting.
• Strong understanding of global markets and portfolio construction.
• Track record of sourcing and analyzing managers across regions.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and monitor external investment managers across asset classes.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis on investment strategies.
• Support manager selection and contribute to portfolio design discussions.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Investment acumen

Market insights

Tools

Morningstar

eVestment

Job description

Who are we?

Sanlam Investment Group is uniquely equipped and positioned to deliver on its purpose of empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. Through our vast in‑house expertise and strategic partner networks, we can access all asset classes across the globe, private and public, actively and passively managed, to develop investment solutions that are in our clients’ best interests and have a positive impact on society. Backed by the Sanlam Group’s balance sheet, the Sanlam Investment Group has a true competitive advantage in its ability to invest alongside clients, particularly in private markets where impact investing drives the agenda.

The Sanlam Investment Group is one of the largest, most diversified financial services and investment firms in Southern Africa with assets under management and administration of more than R2 trillion. It is a B‑BBEE level 1 contributor and one of the largest black‑empowered asset managers on the African continent.

Sanlam Investments Multi‑Manager

As Solutions Architects, we believe that through an in‑depth understanding of our clients’ needs, combined with our ability to construct portfolios which optimally blend multiple investment strategies and sources of risk and return, we enable our clients to achieve their desired investment outcomes. Our purpose‑driven approach aims to provide appropriate solutions that cater for all phases of investors’ lives and for the different goals they may have. We are able to offer our clients a convenient and cost‑effective solution to the portfolio construction challenge, drawing on our extensive investment strategy, manager selection, market research and portfolio construction skills.

Our multi‑management team researches, blends and manages solutions that give investors access to the best combination of passive, smart beta, traditional and alternative investment strategies, managed by skillful asset managers for optimal diversification. We aim to combine different sources of risks or style betas to achieve the best possible returns, at a given level of risk. We design and blend unique solutions for our clients, based on a deep understanding of their investment aims and a fundamental insight into how they perceive risk. These solutions are constructed using a blend of the best asset managers available and are managed within pre‑determined asset allocation ranges.

What will you do?

Senior Research Analyst plays a critical role in evaluating, selecting, and monitoring external investment managers across asset classes on a global scale. The analyst will be responsible for conducting deep qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify high‑conviction investment strategies, contribute to portfolio construction decisions, and provide actionable insights to investment committees and client portfolios. The role requires a blend of investment acumen, analytical rigour, and communication skills, alongside a global perspective on markets and asset management trends. The individual will be responsible for analysing alternative investments, primarily medium‑term debt securities. Involved with functions relating to the efficient and effective management of an investment portfolio to ensure that the most advantageous rate of return is attained from the assets invested. Keeps abreast of latest developments and trends in the market place. Responsible for the construction of stock selection and portfolio models and for making recommendations to Portfolio Managers.

What will make you successful in this role?

Manager Research & Due Diligence

• Conduct in‑depth qualitative and quantitative analysis of external managers across traditional global asset classes – equity, fixed income, real estate, infrastructure.
• Evaluate investment processes, portfolio construction, performance drivers, and risk management frameworks.
• Perform on‑site / virtual due diligence meetings with portfolio managers and investment teams globally.
• Maintain robust documentation of research findings and ratings in internal databases.

Portfolio & Strategy Oversight

• Support manager selection and portfolio construction within multi‑manager portfolios.
• Monitor existing managers for style drift, performance, team changes, or operational risks.
• Contribute to portfolio design discussions where relevant.

Market & Industry Insights

• Stay abreast of global macroeconomic trends, asset class developments, and industry innovations impacting manager selection.
• Develop thematic research and contribute to white papers or thought leadership content.

Collaboration & Communication

• Present manager research findings to the Investment Committee, portfolio managers, and clients.
• Collaborate with risk, operations, and compliance teams to ensure adherence to governance and due diligence standards.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external investment partners.

Qualification and Experience

5+ years of relevant experience in manager research, investment consulting, or multi‑manager portfolio management.

Strong understanding of global markets, portfolio construction, and manager evaluation techniques.

Track record of sourcing, analysing, and recommending managers across multiple regions and asset classes.

Experience conducting investment due diligence.

Familiarity with investment research systems – Morningstar, eVestment.

Key Skills & Attributes

Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills

Strong written and verbal communication – able to convey complex insights clearly

Collaborative mindset with cross‑cultural awareness and global perspective

High attention to detail, integrity, and intellectual curiosity

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Knowledge and Skills

Company research and analysis/fixed interest/alternative investments/property Investment Industry Knowledge Investment Modeling Investment strategies and management of complex investments Investment monitoring and compliance

Personal Attributes

Plans and aligns - Contributing through others

Manages complexity - Contributing through others

Financial acumen - Contributing through others

Business insight - Contributing through others

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others

Customer focus - Contributing through others

Drives results - Contributing through others

Collaborates - Contributing through others

Being resilient - Contributing through others

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.