Fundamental Equities Japan Head of Research, Director
BlackrockAbout this role
BlackRock Fundamental Equities:
Fundamental Equities investment professionals manage portfolios from offices in New York, Princeton, Boston, London, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Sydney, and Shanghai. The firm is looking to expand investment research capabilities in Mumbai.
Our portfolio managers employ multiple investment philosophies to manage their portfolios across a number of different styles, geographies, and capitalization ranges. We believe that the best performance is delivered by tightly knit, focused, and accountable teams, and that the best investment decisions result from integrating research with portfolio management. We believe that there are inefficiencies in stock markets which can be identified and exploited by proprietary fundamental research, and that quantitative analytics enable risk-efficient portfolio construction.
Job Overview:
BlackRock’s Fundamental Equities Japan team is seeking a Head of Research with primary responsibility of overseeing the team’s research process and providing investment recommendations to portfolio managers. They will be based in Tokyo and will attend company meetings, trade shows, and conferences as required. They will also liaise closely between research analysts and portfolio managers on the team, as well as other internal stakeholders. The position is a compelling opportunity for a research analyst with demonstrable skills for fundamental research, financial analysis, and knowledge of corporate business models, who also is passionate about process improvements, a disciplined approach to research, and leveraging technology and data to generate differentiated alpha.
The successful candidate will also be able to leverage a well-respected and successful global asset management network within BlackRock and access world-class technology systems, support, and risk management capabilities.
Responsibilities:
Oversee the Japan Equities research process and team via process improvements, template updates, and coverage monitoring. Be the catalyst between all team research analysts and portfolio managers with the ultimate goal of generating alpha efficiently and innovatively.
Collaborate with other Heads of Research on the Fundamental Equities platform and articulate the team’s research process in various forums internal and externally.
Identify potential investment in Japan, collaborate with portfolio managers to evaluate investment theses, provide effective challenge where appropriate, ensuring they are backed by thorough research and data
Carry out independent industry research, including monitoring macroeconomic trends, technological innovations, regulatory changes, and geopolitical factors that could impact the portfolio
Attend industry conferences, earnings calls, and investor meetings to gather qualitative insights and assess company strategies, adjusting investment recommendations as necessary
Prepare detailed research reports and presentations to summarize key findings, updates and strategy’s performance, incl. semi-annual review with clients, sustainability thesis, etc.
Stay current with market news, interpret news impact on stocks, and understand industry dynamics
Contribute to the team’s discussions of individual ideas, setting conviction within the wider research group and hence impacting portfolio strategies.
Being an ambassador for the Japan Equities team, Fundamental Equities, and BlackRock
Skills:
Experience in fundamental research with required skills in Excel, and ability to use Bloomberg and Tableau (or other data modelling tools). Past Japan coverage is critical.
The ability to drive process changes and incorporate feedback into big picture ideas, specifically as it pertains to market trends, data, and technology.
Strong financial modeling skills, including proficiency in DCF, comps, and ability to interpret financial statements to assess company health
Attention to detail to ensure that models and assumptions are accurate, up to date, and reflect the most current information
Strong writing and presentation skills, ability to communicate complex ideas simply, and understanding of report structure
Functional understanding of prompting GenAI tools to accelerate research process
Skills to include comparison of both corporate business models and share prices over the long-term.
An understanding of all financial statements, the key drivers of shareholder return and multiple valuation techniques.
Strong business sense: the candidate must possess an understanding of business models, industry dynamics, and competitive analysis.
Independent thinking coupled with a proven ability to work with (and make an impact in) an established team.
The ability to clearly articulate high conviction, well-thought-out, and supported investment ideas in both large and small group settings.
The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to work more broadly within an organization where information-sharing is critical to the success of all teams across asset classes.
Qualifications:
Relevant experience of at least 12 years in equity research, experience in technology industry is also a plus. Candidates with buy side experience would have an edge.
Strong educational background with Bachelors in finance or economics. MBA or Masters is a plus.
CFA (Level II or III) or other relevant certifications are preferred.
Proficiency in Excel, Bloomberg, and other investment analysis tools, along with excellent analytical and communication skills, is essential.
Additional technology skills (Python, VBA, SQL, etc.) are a plus.
People management and team leadership experience required
Fluency in Japanese (written, reading, writing)
Our benefits
To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including a strong retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive healthcare, support for working parents and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.
Our hybrid work model
BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.
About BlackRock
At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being. Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.
This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.
For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock
BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, family status, gender identity, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected attributes at law.