Fundamental Research Director

Director Of Fundamental Research

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better.

Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.

We're actively seeking a talented Director of Fundamental Research to join Pacific Life Fund Advisors in Newport Beach, CA. Relocation assistance may be provided.

As the Director of Fundamental Research, you'll play a key role in Pacific Life's growth and long-term success by generating investment decisions for the Pacific Life Fund Advisors (PLFA) managed strategies ($30 billion) and providing investment expertise to the divisions to drive company-wide initiatives. The Director will join the asset allocation team responsible for managing over 15 multi-asset portfolios—primarily fund-of-funds—as well as six portable alpha strategies.

The role will focus primarily on equity allocations within the multi-asset portfolios, with secondary responsibilities supporting macro/strategic and other intra-asset positioning.

How you'll help move us forward:

• Act as a Domestic Equity Portfolio Manager within a Multi-Asset Framework
• Serve as a U.S. equities specialist, bringing a clear, differentiated point of view across sectors, styles, and factors (growth, value, quality, momentum)
• Perform industry-leading research to formulate investment views
• Implement views through dynamic asset allocation, portfolio tilts, and position sizing within domestic equities

Drive Asset Allocation & Portfolio Performance

• Play a key role in asset allocation and portfolio construction decisions across 15+ multi-asset portfolios
• Maintain accountability for risk-adjusted returns and benchmark out performance, continuously reassessing exposures based on market developments, data, and evolving investment theses
• Contribute across asset classes (international equity, fixed income, alternatives), while maintaining a core focus on U.S. equity alpha generation

Operate as a Senior Investor & Investment Committee Member

• Present, defend, and implement high-conviction investment views as a voting member of the Investment Committee, directly influencing firm-wide capital allocation decisions
• Partner cross-functionally to support investment communication, strategy positioning, and product development
• Contribute to firm-wide thinking on markets, portfolio construction, and risk management, helping shape the overall investment framework and process

The experience you bring:

• 7–10+ years of experience in fundamental research, portfolio management, or trading
• A deep understanding of U.S. equities, with the ability to connect micro insights to macro context
• Proven ability to form, express, and defend investment views
• Strong grounding in macroeconomics, policy, and market cycles
• Experience with multi-asset frameworks or asset allocation thinking (preferred, not required)
• Comfort working with data;
  Python or quantitative toolkit is a plus
• Familiarity with mutual funds, ETFs, or 40-Act structures is helpful
• Clear communicator who can translate complex ideas into actionable insights

Your Benefits Start Day 1

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including:
  Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.