Head of Tactical Asset Allocation (TAA)

About This Role

HEAD OF TACTICAL ASSET ALLOCATION (TAA)

Location: Abu Dhabi

Department: Asset Allocation & Diversified Investments

Reporting to: Chief Investment Officer / Head of Asset Allocation

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Head of Tactical Asset Allocation (TAA) will lead a multi-asset investment strategy function responsible for identifying and executing high-conviction, short- to medium-term investment opportunities across global markets. This role sits at the core of portfolio construction, driving dynamic asset allocation decisions across equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities, and credit.

The successful candidate will combine macroeconomic insight, quantitative rigor, and market experience to deliver risk-adjusted returns, while ensuring a disciplined, repeatable, and data-driven investment process. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong collaboration across investment, risk, and trading teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Lead the design and execution of tactical asset allocation strategies across global asset classes, including:
• Global equities
• Sovereign and corporate bonds
• Credit instruments
• Foreign exchange
• Commodities
• Identify high-conviction opportunities driven by macroeconomic trends, market dislocations, and relative value.
• Translate macro views into actionable portfolio positioning and trade ideas.
• Oversee portfolio construction, including sizing, timing, and implementation of trades.
• Ensure alignment with overall strategic asset allocation (SAA) and investment objectives.

Research & Market Analysis

• Direct top-down macroeconomic and cross-asset research to inform tactical positioning.
• Integrate fundamental, quantitative, and technical analysis into the investment process.
• Monitor global economic indicators, central bank policies, geopolitical developments, and market sentiment.
• Develop proprietary models, frameworks, and signals to enhance decision-making.

Risk Management

• Own the risk framework for TAA portfolios, including:
• Market, liquidity, and counterparty risks
• Stress testing and scenario analysis
• Drawdown and volatility management
• Ensure robust risk budgeting and adherence to investment guidelines.
• Work closely with risk and compliance teams to maintain governance standards.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of multi-asset strategists and analysts.
• Foster a collaborative, intellectually rigorous investment culture.
• Partner with portfolio managers, trading desks, and risk teams to ensure efficient execution and alignment.
• Contribute to broader Asset Allocation & Diversified Investments strategy and discussions.

Trading & Execution Oversight

• Oversee implementation of trades across asset classes, ensuring best execution practices.
• Collaborate with trading teams on liquidity, timing, and market impact considerations.
• Evaluate and utilize a range of instruments (cash, derivatives, ETFs, futures, options).

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Present investment views, strategy updates, and performance to senior management and investment committees.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders on positioning, risks, and outlook.
• Contribute to client-facing materials where required.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• 12–18+ years of experience in multi-asset investing, macro strategy, or asset allocation.
• Proven track record in tactical asset allocation and active portfolio management.
• Experience across multiple asset classes (equities, fixed income, FX, commodities, credit).
• Prior leadership experience managing investment teams.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, PhD) preferred.
• CFA or equivalent professional designation strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of global macroeconomics and financial markets.
• Experience with quantitative models and data-driven investment processes.
• Proficiency in portfolio construction, risk systems, and analytics tools.
• Familiarity with derivatives and hedging strategies.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong decision-making capabilities under uncertainty.
• High conviction investor with disciplined risk management mindset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning mindset.

Success Measures

• Consistent delivery of risk-adjusted returns versus benchmarks.
• Effectiveness of tactical positioning during different market regimes.
• Strength and scalability of the TAA investment framework.
• Team performance, development, and retention.
• Quality of insights and contribution to firm-wide investment strategy