Fundamental Research Director

Job Description:

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 outperformance, 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

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We’re committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

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Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1  
 

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

• 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

You Can Be Who You Are

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.

What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.