Investment Leader

Aspida is a tech-driven, nimble insurance carrier backed by Ares Management Corporation, a leading global alternative asset manager. We offer simple and secure retirement solutions and annuity products with speed and precision, focusing on protecting the dreams of our partners, producers, and clients. Our suite of products, available through an elegant and intuitive digital platform, emphasizes secure, stable retirement solutions with attractive features and downside protection.

About the role

The Investment Leader will play a critical leadership role in managing the investment portfolio of Aspida, including its US direct annuity insurance company and its offshore annuity reinsurance companies. This individual will develop and implement strategic investment policies, oversee portfolio performance, and ensure alignment with the company’s risk tolerance, governance, and regulatory requirements. The role requires collaboration with senior leadership and the board to optimize returns while safeguarding long-term financial stability. The Investment Leader will also support day-to-day portfolio management for our Cedents and interact with AIS, Aspida, and Aspida Re to review and analyze asset allocation and risk. This role is required to be onsite 3 days a week at our Durham, NC headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with Aspida/Aspida Re/AIS senior leadership, Ares portfolio managers, and other third-party managers to facilitate active portfolio management and oversight.
• Monitor and analyze investment portfolios to develop an understanding of positioning and enhance portfolios to support the objectives of Aspida/Aspida Re.
• Provide credible check and balance to Ares/third-party decisions, performance, and fees.
• Review and sign off on proposed Alternative Equity Investments (Alts) purchases.
• Co-develop the company and individual cedent investment guidelines (IG) with Ares Insurance Solutions (AIS) in alignment with corporate objectives, treaty requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Monitor the liquidity of investment portfolios across cedents.
• Regularly monitor selected investment managers to assess performance, risk and return, and investment strategy.
• Track actual vs. expected cash deployment by manager and strategy, including relevant analytics (spread, yield, rating, duration) for reporting.
• Assess asset valuations and ratings, considering market conditions and specific asset features.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of complex investment strategies, communicate findings, and discuss alternative solutions with the broader team.
• Work across company functional areas to provide investment data when required.
• Research new portfolio managers and review existing ones.
• Support regulatory filings, management, and business partner reports.
• Complete ad hoc and special projects assigned on a timely basis.

Requirements

• A qualification from a recognized institution or professional body (e.g., CFA).
• 8+ years of experience in insurance asset management with a credit investing background.
• Experience working with private asset origination and alternative asset strategies.
• Knowledge of capital rules (RBC, BSCR, rating agency) helpful in driving allocation decisions.
• Understanding of insurance investment accounting processes/procedures, including GAAP/STAT.
• Self-starter with confidence, patience, maturity, and a strategic lens to proactively partner with AIS.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Accuracy and attention to detail with strong analytical acumen.
• Ability to work well in a lean team environment, often under pressure.
• Strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, good judgment, and a positive attitude.
• Strong technical skills, including superior Excel and Bloomberg knowledge; working knowledge of Clearwater would be helpful.

Benefits

• Salaried position with a long-term incentive plan.
• Full-time role with a comprehensive benefits package.

Aspida values inclusivity and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including non-traditional paths. Unique experiences enrich our team, and a willingness to dream big makes you an exceptional candidate.