Investment Leader, Alternatives

Role Overview

• Collaborate with the MGI leadership team to develop the investment value proposition in alternative assets by client segment, covering private equity, private debt, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and more
• Represent Canada alongside the Canadian Regional CIO in various Alternatives Committees
• Lead, mentor, and manage Alternative Investment Directors and specialists; set clear objectives, aligned incentives, and ensure timely, high-quality client deliverables
• Coordinate with Alternative Investment Leaders in other geographies to deliver a consistent global capability
• Act as portfolio manager on multi-asset, fund-of-fund alternative strategies developed and implemented locally; advise on portfolio construction, asset allocation, manager selection, structuring, and governance for advisory, Core+/premium, and discretionary/OCIO mandates
• Lead product development activities and Know-Your-Product initiatives when importing or repackaging investment solutions developed globally
• Provide subject matter expertise across alternative asset classes, with deeper knowledge in selected areas
• Serve as a bridge to asset class specialists and partner with Canadian Regional CIOs and intellectual capital leads to evolve the investment process and contribute to research and thought leadership
• Jointly manage advisory and EOS service offerings to control scope and protect profitability
• Help drive new business and retention by supporting portfolio construction and implementation across vehicles such as PIPs, SMAs, Funds of One, and commingled vehicles
• Participate in client and prospect meetings as the Alternatives specialist, contributing to pitches, RFPs, and commercial positioning
• Promote Mercer Alternatives through thought leadership, PR/marketing, and client channels; leverage enablement tools and training to win profitable business and exceed financial targets
• Design and implement scalable solutions focused on profitability (NOI), efficiency, and risk management
• Translate Mercer’s alternative service offerings into client solutions, balancing customization and scale
• Maintain an actionable pipeline of commercially attractive opportunities and monitor performance against growth targets

Requirements

• BA/BS in finance, economics, or related field; advanced degree preferred
• CFA and CAIA preferred
• 15+ years of experience specifically in alternatives investing, portfolio construction, and advising institutional/large discretionary clients on sophisticated mandates
• Experience in alternative product development strongly preferred
• Registration as a Canadian Portfolio Manager, with Derivatives licensing strongly preferred
• Demonstrated track record of business development, commercial strategy, and delivering AUM/revenue growth
• Strong relationship building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across investment, sales, and client teams
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; advanced Excel and PowerPoint proficiency
• Strong analytical skills, project management capability, and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in French and English.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Retirement programs
• Employee assistance programs