SENIOR EQUITY RESEARCH & PORTFOLIO STRATEGY SPECIALIST
WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?
This position serves as a senior strategist within our equity portfolio management team, responsible for developing and implementing advanced portfolio construction frameworks across multiple market segments. The role bridges fundamental equity research with sophisticated quantitative approaches to enhance investment decision-making, optimize portfolio performance, and expand our equity coverage universe through systematic methodologies.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Research & Analysis
Conduct in-depth analysis of equity market segments including US mid / small caps and international equities to identify structural trends and market inefficiencies
Develop proprietary research methodologies that integrate fundamental insights with quantitative signals to generate alpha
Partner with fundamental analysts to expand research coverage through systematic approaches and screening tools
Monitor macroeconomic developments and assess potential impacts on different equity market segments
Generate actionable investment insights through analysis of complex datasets, market dynamics, and academic research
Portfolio Construction & Optimization
Design and implement sophisticated portfolio construction frameworks that balance return objectives with risk parameters
Develop multi-factor models to enhance security selection and portfolio allocation decisions
Create and maintain optimization processes that effectively manage portfolio constraints while maximizing expected returns
Implement strategies to minimize transaction costs and market impact during portfolio rebalancing
Evaluate and integrate alternative data sources to enhance return forecasting capabilities
Quantitative Modeling & Data Analysis
Build and maintain equity valuation models to identify potential investment opportunities in areas without dedicated fundamental coverage
Develop and refine factor-based screening methodologies to systematically identify promising investment candidates
Perform statistical analysis to test investment hypotheses and validate proposed strategies
Collaborate with data science team to develop innovative approaches for extracting investment insights from large equity datasets
Maintain and enhance Python-based analytical tools for portfolio management and investment decision support
Performance Analysis & Risk Management
Design comprehensive portfolio analytics to evaluate investment decisions and provide attribution analysis
Develop reporting frameworks to monitor portfolio characteristics, factor exposures, and performance metrics
Analyze portfolio risk exposures across various dimensions (sector, region, factor, etc.) and recommend adjustments
Conduct scenario analysis and stress testing to assess portfolio resilience under different market conditions
Provide regular performance and risk reports to the investment committee and senior management
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO SUCCEED?
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Business, Mathematics, or related field
Minimum 15 years financial services experience
Minimum 10+ years of experience in equity research, portfolio management, or related investment roles
Minimum 5 years of experience applying quantitative methods to investment processes
Additional Qualifications
Demonstrated expertise in portfolio construction across different market segments
Proven track record of developing and implementing equity models and screening tools
Experience working with large financial datasets and deriving actionable insights
Master's degree in finance, Economics, Financial Engineering, or related quantitative discipline preferred
CFA designation preferred; progress toward completion considered
Technical Skills and Knowledge
Advanced proficiency in Python for financial analysis and model development
Strong SQL skills for querying and analyzing large equity datasets
Experience with portfolio optimization techniques and risk management frameworks
Thorough understanding of equity valuation methodologies and factor investing
Knowledge of statistical methods and their application to investment processes
Familiarity with machine learning concepts and applications in finance
Understanding of market microstructure and trading implementation
Proficiency with financial databases (e.g., Bloomberg, FactSet, MSCI Barra)
Professional Attributes
Exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
Strong intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex analysis into actionable recommendations
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Strong project management skills with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
Intellectual rigor and ability to defend investment theses with sound reasoning
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Experience
Experience working in multi-asset investment environments
Track record of applying data-driven insights to enhance investment decision-making
Background in developing systematic screening tools for equity selection
Experience with alternative data sources and their integration into investment processes
Familiarity with international equity markets and multi-region portfolio construction
Additional Skills and Attributes
Knowledge of advanced econometric techniques and time-series analysis
Experience with cloud computing platforms for financial analysis
Understanding of ESG integration in portfolio construction
Familiarity with natural language processing applications in equity research
Experience mentoring junior team members and contributing to team development
Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Compensation Starting base salary : $141,830 - $263,408 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. This job is eligible for bonus and / or commissions.
Benefits and Perks
At City National, we strive to be the best at whatever we do, including the benefits and perks we offer our colleagues including :
Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, available the first of the month following start date
Generous 401(k) company matching contribution
Career Development through Tuition Reimbursement and other internal upskilling and training resources
Valued Time Away benefits including vacation, sick and volunteer time
Specialized health and family planning benefits including fertility benefits, and cancer, diabetes and musculoskeletal support programs
Career Mobility support from a dedicated recruitment team
Colleague Resource Groups to support networking and community engagement
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ABOUT US
Since day one we've always gone further than the competition to help our clients, colleagues and communities flourish. City National Bank was founded in 1954 by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and that legacy of integrity, community and unparalleled client relationships continues today. City National is a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies. To learn more about City National and our dynamic company culture, visit us at
INCLUSION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
City National Bank fosters an inclusive environment where all forms of diversity are valued and leveraged to make us a better company and employer. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other basis protected by law.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Unless otherwise indicated as fully remote, reporting into a designated City National location is an essential function of the job.
Portfolio Specialist • New York, NY, United States