Investment Operations Trainee - Santander Asset Management

You will join as part of the Investment20/20 programme.

Trainee opportunity with Santander Asset Management UK

A bit about Santander Asset Management UK

Our purpose at Santander Asset Management is clear, from retail clients to global institutions, we are here to deliver investment solutions that evolve according to their needs.

In 52 years we have transformed ourselves to adapt to an ever-changing world. We combine technology and experience to provide our clients with investment solutions that meet their specific needs, connecting Europe and the Americas with a global vision and deep local knowledge.

With a presence in 10 countries, we manage over €225 billion of assets for individual clients, institutional investors and brokers, and for Santander Group subsidiaries around the world. Our aim is to be the best-in-class investment solution provider in Europe and the Americas by building long-term relationships with our clients.

Guided by the talent and experience of more than 887* people, we are at the forefront of systematic asset management, seeking returns through a range of investment solutions and by investing today in companies of the future — all while having a positive impact on society and the environment.

As SAM UK, we serve the local market providing solutions to meet UK customers and institutions, built on being commercially driven and people focused, underpinned by protecting our clients. Our Company behaviours underpin everything we do; we think clients, embrace change, act now, move together and speak up.

About the role

We have a really exciting opportunity for a trainee to join our team working closely with Product, the function responsible for the design of our fund range and its’ management. This is a great opportunity for a graduate or school leaver who would like to build a career within the investment industry and study towards a CISI or IMC accredited qualification.

You will gain great exposure across SAM UK, joining a small but versatile team which will allow you to play an integral part in providing proactive, value-added, hands-on support to colleagues across the firm and other parts of the Santander Group.

In this role, amongst other things, you’ll be responsible for taking ownership of various activities, including the production and presentation of management information, supporting fund oversight, developing new and existing materials and processes, updating investor materials, analysing regulation and assisting with key strategy initiatives. We will guide you through a product lifecycle, from fund design to management to mergers and you’ll acquire knowledge about the data we use to assess fund performance.

Whilst learning on the job alongside our experienced, talented and diverse team, you will also learn towards an accredited CISI or IMC qualification via online live teaching and performance coaching. You’ll learn the fundamentals of how the investment market works in practice, with insights into the processes that determine effective risk management, soon becoming familiar with a range of investment instruments. From investment management and consulting to trading and reporting, you’ll gain the high-level knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

As part of the Investment20/20 programme , you will also have opportunities to meet and network with around 300 trainees across the industry and participate in socials and insight events.

The difference you’ll make

• Working closely with Product, Investment, Operations, Marketing and Risk – relying on you to form collaborative relationships within and between teams
• Analysing and interpreting data to create reports relating to how our products are performing, for presentations to committees and executives
• Using your creativity to design and produce new materials
• Working closely with other UK and Global teams across the Santander business, including to produce documentation which will be shared with the regulator and industry bodies
• Delivering and implementing initiatives as part of an exciting and fast paced environment
• Running effective processes to produce high quality materials that meet compliance standards of record keeping, sign offs and document reviews.

What we are looking for

Our Investment20/20 placement is designed for school/college leavers, graduates or non-graduates with a "can do” attitude keen to start their careers in the investment management industry. Key skills we’re looking for are:

• Someone who is energised by opportunities to learn new skills
• An enthusiastic team player
• The ability to work on your own (of course we’ll provide you with all the support you need), and drive your work independently
• The ability to communicate effectively in a face-to-face collaborative environment
• Clear and effective written communication skills
• Ability to plan your time and manage competing priorities.
• Good attention to detail
• A creative approach
• Confident using Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and Powerpoint
• An interest in coding may also be beneficial

In addition to the above, the successful candidate will have passed their 18th birthday and be eligible to work in the UK by the start of their employment.

Why join us?

If you’re looking to join a small firm within a global Company boasting great brand recognition, then this 24-month placement could be for you. You’ll be given opportunities to learn a broad range of skills and work with colleagues across the UK business, in a wide variety of departments who want to share their knowledge and provide you with opportunities to grow.

The placement will offer you a brilliant opportunity to gain experience in asset management to help you build a career within the industry after finishing the programme.

At SAM UK we’re creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed. We all help to make Santander a workplace that celebrates diversity and attracts, retains, and develops the most talented and committed people through living our values.

How we’ll reward you

As well as a competitive salary, you’ll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs:

• Eligible for a discretionary performance-related annual bonus up to 15% of your salary
• We put 15% of salary into your pension, even if you don’t contribute yourself
• Hybrid ways of working, providing adaptability to work 2 days per week from home
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Company funded private medical and dental insurance
• Other insurance benefits and voluntary healthcare benefits at discounted rates
• Shopping discounts at hundreds of high street and online brands
• Cycle 2 Work scheme

How to Apply:

If this sounds like a role you’re interested in, then we’d love to hear from you by the 6th January 2025.*

To help us assess your suitability, please answer the following three questions:

1. Why are you applying for this opportunity with SAM UK?

2. Tell us about a recent financial news story that you found interesting and why?

3. Tell us about a time when you have faced a challenge, how you overcame it, why you are proud of this and what your key learning was from this experience.

Application instructions:

• Please answer all three questions in between 250 and 300 words each.**
• Save them together with your CV as a single, named PDF.

The closing date for applications is: 6th January 2025

Santander Asset Management is an inclusive employer. Please let us know if you may require some adaptations to the application process.

Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to all applications; should you not hear back from us by the 7th February 2025, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

* Please note that we recruit on a rolling basis so you are advised to apply early. The role may close before the stated date.

**Please note that, whilst we know AI is an increasingly useful tool, the purpose of these questions is to give you an opportunity to tell us more about you and how you think. It’s important your answers help us get to know you, so please do not submit wholly AI generated answers.