Fund Manager Jobs

Fund manager jobs usually specialise in one of three areas:

• institutional fund management - such as company pension schemes
• retail funds - like unit trusts sold independently to the public
• private clients - where a wealthy individual has a very large sum of money to invest.

New entrants start in fund management, in a research or analyst role. Most specialise in a particular sector commodity or geographic region.

Fund manager jobs salaries range from around £26,000 for new entrants to £141,000 or more for executive fund managers.

Fund manager jobs should be self-confident and able to make informed decisions quickly, have good communication skills and work well under pressure; have strong analytical, numerical and literacy skills; have a strong understanding of the financial markets and be well informed about all the activities affecting their specialised sector.

Many fund manager jobs work for global banks and fund management companies. Most fund manager jobs in the UK are centred in London and Edinburgh, with a few opportunities in Glasgow and Liverpool. Competition for jobs is fierce.

Many fund manager jobs have a good degree, often in subjects such as accountancy or economics. Increasingly, entrants also have postgraduate qualifications. For non-graduates, employment options are limited.

Many employers provide intensive on-the-job training for new entrants, where they train with a senior research analyst. This can last up to a year, and they are often expected to sit an exam approved by the Financial Services Authority.

Those with experience and a good performance record could be promoted to head of a fund management team. Later they may take on a more consultative role.