Business Development Associate

About AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver concrete, long-term results by looking past market noise to identify and isolate the factors that matter most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. By putting theory into practice, we have become a leader in alternative strategies and an innovator in traditional portfolio management since 1998.

At AQR, our employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We're determined to know what makes financial markets tick – and we'll ask every question and challenge every assumption. We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation.

The Team

AQR is looking to hire a full-time Associate to join our EMEA Business Development group, based in London. The group works with AQR's clients in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to provide solutions to achieve their investment objectives. AQR clients include a cross-section of the world's largest institutional investors, such as public and corporate pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and foundations and endowments. AQR also serves the private-wealth community, including independent wealth managers, family offices, and private banks.

Your Role

Within the EMEA Business Development group we are looking to hire an Associate focused on helping the team develop and deepen relationships with our private wealth clients and prospective investors in the U.K. and France. Responsibilities will include:

• Provide support to senior members of the Business Development team whose objective is to build and deepen relationships with investors.
• Present AQR's products and services to investors so that they can clearly identify the benefits of the products relative to its competitors.
• Provide inbound and outbound client support, including helping to service clients, quantify prospects, and sending follow-up information, as well as coordinating client meetings and conference calls.
• Proactively use databases and sales reports to assist senior relationship managers.
• Work closely with Portfolio Management, Portfolio Solutions, Compliance, Legal, Operations, Risk, and Trading teams to address client requests and help maintain up-to-date, high quality presentation materials.
• Develop robust AQR product and asset class knowledge and demonstrate interest in the industry.
• Participate in projects and initiatives to help improve overall team functionality and efficiency.
• Periodic travel for in person meetings and conferences.
• Liaise with other members of Business Development to update marketing materials and leverage the firm's intellectual capital (e.g., coordinate the distribution of AQR white papers, webinars and analysis).
• Ensure the completion of Requests for Proposal/Information and Due Diligence Questionnaires to a high standard in a timely fashion coordinating with other parts of the business.

What You'll Bring

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Business or a Science, Quantitative, or Engineering Program from a top university is preferred.
• 3 years plus of relevant post-undergraduate experience at an investment management or asset management firm.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity, CFA charter holder a plus.
• High proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel is required.
• Excellent academic credentials.
• Fully proficient (both written and spoken) in English (required) and French (strongly preferred)
• The role will be based in our London office located in Covent Garden.

Who You Are

• Hard working and eager to learn in a highly intellectual, collaborative environment.
• Proven track record of consistently meeting and/or exceeding performance goals
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic about developing and implementing ideas
• Self-starter, able to work independently as well as within a team
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of finance and the investment management industry