What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investment Research Analyst position at Northwestern Mutual?
About Us
Pioneer Financial is the leading private client group partnering directly with Northwestern Mutual. For two decades, Pioneer Financial has been dedicated to transforming the financial futures of our clients through a personalized and holistic approach. Our steadfast commitment ensures that we consistently deliver exceptional financial planning services. Over the years, Pioneer Financial has flourished, now embracing a second generation of financial planning professionals. This growth not only preserves our enduring legacy but also guarantees that clients and their families will always have access to premier financial guidance and support.
Position Summary
The Investment Research Analyst will directly support the Head of Investment Strategy across the full investment platform. The analyst will help support the buildout, management, and ongoing evolution of the firm’s investment strategies, including Core, Satellite, and other portfolio initiatives as they develop. Responsibilities will include fundamental and quantitative research, sector and thematic analysis, single stock and security research, third part manager due diligence, portfolio monitoring, performance and attribution analysis, and support for the development of new investment sleeves and implementation frameworks.
Core Responsibilities
Investment Research & Due Diligence
• Conduct fundamental and quantitative research to support investment decisions across the firm’s broader platform, including Core portfolios, Satellite strategies, and future investment initiatives.
• Perform detailed due diligence on mutual funds, ETFs, individual equities, bonds, alternative strategies, and other relevant investment opportunities.
• Evaluate existing and prospective investments based on performance, risk, fees, manager quality, valuation, portfolio fit, and relative attractiveness versus available alternatives.
• Support idea generation, investment case development, and ongoing research across both diversified portfolio holdings and more targeted strategy sleeves.
• Help translate market views, research conclusions, and portfolio analysis into actionable investment recommendations and implementation considerations.
• Assist in preparing internal investment materials, client-facing commentary, portfolio updates, and other communications related to market views and investment strategy.
• Connect research, portfolio construction, market views, and implementation across Core portfolios, Satellite strategies, and other firm-level investment initiatives.
Modeling, Analytics & Documentation
• Build, maintain, and update Excel-based financial models, analytical tools, and investment frameworks to support research, diligence, portfolio analysis, and decision-making.
• Analyze investment opportunities using both quantitative and qualitative inputs, including performance trends, valuation, risk, cash flow, portfolio fit, and relative attractiveness versus alternatives.
• Maintain and update databases of current and potential investments across the platform.
• Document research inputs, diligence findings, investment decisions, and ongoing monitoring notes to improve process consistency, transparency, and scalability.
Portfolio Strategy & Monitoring
• Support the ongoing review of client portfolio strategies, including Core portfolio and Satellite strategies.
• Perform ongoing portfolio monitoring, risk-position review support, performance tracking, and attribution analysis to evaluate portfolio results, key drivers, exposures, and areas for improvement.
Teamwork & Collaboration
• Contribute positively to team dynamics, culture, and the continued development of the investment platform.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with team members across Investment Strategy, Portfolio Management, Investment Research, Planning, and other areas of the firm.
• Be open to feedback and actively participate in training, development, and process-improvement opportunities.
• Support and help execute firm initiatives to the best of your abilities, including internal projects, client-facing materials, investment communications, and broader strategic priorities.
Qualifications
Must Have
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Expert financial modeling skills using Excel and proficient with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• 3-5 Years of experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on investment research and analysis
• Must have or be willing to obtain Series 7 license within 90 days of hire
• Familiarity with financial software tools such as Bloomberg or Morningstar
Preferred
• Progress towards financial services designation such as CFA, CAIA, CIMA, or CFP
The pay range for this position starts at 135,000-150,000. This is a hybrid role with on-site availability required 3 days per week out of our Midtown office.