Associate Vice-President, Investment Research

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Location: This in-office position will be based out of our Toronto office. Our organization Founded in 2024, Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. provides a suite of distinct solutions for advisors, including sub-advisory oversight of multi-asset model portfolios (MiMODEL), exclusive investment funds through strategic collaborations with global and specialist managers (MiBLOX), and bespoke advisor-managed strategies (MiFUND). Built to accelerate independent advisors’ businesses, we are fast approaching stewardship of $7 billion across all our programs. Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. and is registered as an investment fund manager and portfolio manager in Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Québec, and British Columbia. More information about Independent Advisor Solutions can be found here: The opportunity Reporting to the Head of Asset Allocation and Research, the AVP, Investment Research will be responsible for conducting in-depth research and analysis to support the design and management of Independent Advisors Solutions’ model portfolios and sub-advised pooled funds. The successful candidate will contribute to manager research, asset allocation, and portfolio construction, working closely with the Head of Asset Allocation & Research to deliver best-in-class investment solutions. Key responsibilities include Leading the search and selection process for external investment managers across equity, fixed income, and alternative strategies. Conducting comprehensive due diligence, including qualitative assessments (investment philosophy, process, team structure) and quantitative analysis (performance, risk metrics, factor exposures). Preparing detailed research reports and recommendations for the investment committee, senior management, and advisors/clients. Monitoring approved managers on an ongoing basis, assessing performance, risk, and organizational changes. Developing and maintaining manager scorecards and ranking frameworks to support consistent evaluation. Assisting in the evolution of the manager research process, including enhancements to tools, templates, and reporting standards. Staying informed on industry trends, product innovation, and competitive landscape to identify new opportunities. Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure manager recommendations align with portfolio objectives. Performance Analysis and Reporting Supporting the preparation of detailed research reports, presentations, and other written materials summarizing key findings and recommendations. Analyzing manager and strategy performance relative to benchmarks and peers. Preparing attribution analysis to identify drivers of performance and risk. Developing and maintaining regular reporting for internal stakeholders and committees. Supporting the creation of client-facing performance materials and presentations. Developing insights from performance data to inform portfolio construction and manager selection decisions. Ensuring accuracy and consistency of performance reporting across internal and client-facing materials. Asset Allocation Research and Portfolio Construction Assisting in the development and maintenance of capital market expectations, including expected return, volatility, and correlation forecasts across equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes. Supporting the development of market insights, updates and forecasts for presentations to the investment committee and advisors/clients. Contributing to scenario analysis and stress testing to assess portfolio resilience under different market conditions. Providing actionable investment recommendations to the Investment Committee as it relates to strategic asset allocation, manager selection and/or risk management. Supporting sales of model portfolios and pooled funds through research and preparation of investment product comparison analysis and portfolio construction analysis. Supporting marketing through the creation of product positioning materials and timely market/product commentary. Collaborating with Advisor Engagement teams to provide investment insights during advisor and client meetings. The Ideal candidate will possess Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or business is required. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or similar designation is an asset. 5‑8 years relevant work experience in financial services/investment industry. Experience in financial product research or investment manager search and selection. Experience working with financial advisors is an asset. Experience working with alternative investments is an asset. Strong understanding of the asset management industry and financial product landscape in Canada. Proficiency in Morningstar Direct, Bloomberg, eVestment, or other performance analysis software. Strong knowledge of capital markets, investment strategies, and risk management principles. Strong inter‑personal, communication, analytical, problem‑solving and collaboration skills. Strong critical thinking and written and verbal communication skills. Experience collaborating with other internal stakeholders and partners. Flexibility to adapt to and positively influence new processes/infrastructure. Excellent problem-solving skills. Excellent attitude and commitment to provide extraordinary service. An ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality. Strong organizational skills and excel attention to detail. Demonstrate a high level of accountability and adaptability in accomplishing day‑to‑day work and long‑term goals under minimal supervision. An ability to incorporate new techniques through adopted technology suites to help streamline existing, and construct new, analytical methods. Conditions of employment Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Must be able to travel 3% of the time. A background check, satisfactory to the employer, may be required of the successful applicant prior to commencing employment. About Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. Founded in 2024, Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. (“iAS”) provides a suite of distinct solutions for advisors, including sub‑advisory oversight of multi‑asset model portfolios (MiMODEL), exclusive investment funds through strategic collaborations with global and specialist managers (MiBLOX), and bespoke advisor‑managed strategies (MiFUND). Built to accelerate independent advisors’ businesses, we are fast approaching stewardship of $7 billion across all our programs. iAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington-Altus Financial Inc. and is registered as an investment fund manager and portfolio manager in Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland & Labrador, Québec, and British Columbia. iAS acts as a sub‑advisor to the Wellington‑Altus Private Wealth (WAPW) “Platinum Private Portfolios”, providing model portfolio allocation, manager selection, and investment recommendations. Platinum Private Portfolios may also include investment funds that are managed by iAS. For more information on the relationship between iAS and WAPW, please visit wellington‑altus.ca/legal/ to see the Conflicts of Interest Disclosure documents for both entities. Recruitment Note Independent Advisor Solutions Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellington‑Altus Financial Inc. (“WAFI”), and WAFI is the parent company to Wellington‑Altus Private Wealth, one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and the country’s top‑rated (Investment Executive 2025 Brokerage Report Card) investment dealer, with nearly $40 billion in assets under administration and offices nationwide. Independent Advisor Solutions primarily supports advisors at Wellington‑Altus Private Wealth, offering tailored investment solutions and strategic growth support. If you’re interested in joining the team at Independent Advisor Solutions, you will be contacted by a Wellington‑Altus representative. Recruitment is managed by the Wellington‑Altus Talent Acquisition team, and applications are submitted through the Wellington‑Altus careers website for a streamlined and centralized hiring experience. Wellington-Altus Private Wealth is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and welcomes applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our organization are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodation for the recruitment process, please let us know at the point of application. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Independent Advisor Solutions by 2x #J-18808-Ljbffr