NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC, based in Milwaukee, WI, is a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company with over $275 billion in assets under management (AUM). The Public Investment department manages more than $120 billion, specializing in fixed income for the company and its affiliates through portfolios in investment grade corporate bonds, structured products, emerging markets, municipals, high yield bonds, and leveraged loans.

Position Overview:

Northwestern Mutual is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Public Investments to join our Institutional Investments team. This role is pivotal in driving strategic investment decisions and managing portfolios within a total return mandate to meet the financial objectives of our clients. The Director will leverage their expertise in one or more critical areas, such as portfolio management, research, or trading. This breadth of responsibility reflects Northwestern Mutual’s leadership in public fixed income investments for the company and its affiliates, with a focus on asset classes such as investment grade corporate bonds, structured products, emerging markets, municipals, high yield bonds, and leveraged loans. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of these role areas within a specific asset class in public investment markets, a robust analytical skill set, and the capability to lead and develop investment strategies that align with company goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investment Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive investment strategies for public markets that align with the goals of Northwestern Mutual and its clients.
• Investment Decision Making: Lead coverage of a pool of assets within the public investment universe, incorporating a robust allocation, selection, and risk management framework.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks within public investments.
• Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing investment team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to communicate investment strategies, performance, and market insights.
• Compliance: Ensure all investment activities comply with regulatory standards and internal policies.
• Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor investment performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize returns.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field required; candidates with advanced degrees, such as an MBA, will be considered favorably.
• CFA charterholder (or progress toward achievement) preferred; other relevant professional designations will also be viewed positively.
• Experience: A minimum of 8 years of postgraduate experience in public fixed income investments, or a closely related field, marked by a consistent and upward trajectory of success. The candidate’s record demonstrates not only the achievement of strong investment returns and prudent risk management, but also an ongoing progression in responsibilities and outcomes.
• While not a formal requirement, a candidate’s demonstrated ability to manage and develop investment professionals—evidenced by a track record of building, leading, and mentoring high-performing teams and adapting to evolving market conditions and organizational needs—will distinguish applicants and strengthen their candidacy for this role.

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Compensation Range:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

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