At MFS, you will find a culture that supports you in doing what you do best. Our employees work together to reach better outcomes, favoring the strongest idea over the strongest individual. We put people first and demonstrate care and compassion for our community and each other. Because what we do matters – to us as valued professionals and to the millions of people and institutions who rely on us to help them build more secure and prosperous futures.

THE ROLE

The Defined Benefit Retirement Strategist in the Strategy & Insights Group (SAIG) will drive research and delivery of thought leadership to clients related to retirement plan issues globally, with a primary focus on defined benefit (DB) plans.  

The Strategist will analyze client trends, stay abreast of legislation and policy, industry issues and write/publish/present MFS's thoughts via client ready presentations, white papers, web, conference presentations. The role will involve close collaboration with the Head of Client Strategy, Lead Retirement Strategist, Investment Teams, Sales, Relationship Management and Consultant Relations teams, along with other key stakeholders across the firm to help support the strategy, thought leadership and positioning of the firms’ retirement proposition. The initial focus will be primarily on the US, but will expand to include responsibilities across other countries and regions such as Canada, the UK, Netherlands, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Develop and implement a comprehensive ongoing research agenda program related to both public and private DB issues of interest to clients. This includes analysis of various industry trends, staying abreast of client preferences and asset owner investment trends in DB.    

• Work in partnership with the Institutional team to be a trusted partner to our clients, prospects and their consultants by deeply understanding the unique objectives and challenges of their defined benefit plans. Provide perspective to help them make informed decisions on relevant topics critical to aligning plan management with long-term goals. Deliver clear, practical solutions that address their specific priorities and ensure effective outcomes across funding, risk management, governance, and investment strategy.

• Work closely with the current Lead Retirement Strategist to further develop and execute on existing defined contribution thought leadership and content plans.

• Develop and maintain deep retirement plan expertise by participating in and presenting at client meetings, conferences, networking, researching and developing thought leadership both within the US and globally.

• Represent MFS in industry bodies and participate in working groups and sub committees to raise the firm's profile and maintain/enhance its credibility.

• Travel with distribution colleagues to present MFS's thought leadership to clients, consultants and prospects.

• Work closely with relationship managers, sales and enablement teams, and colleagues in SAIG in leading DC and DB consulting engagements as necessary. The role will be supported by analyst resources within SAIG.

• Develop internal training tools, videos, white papers and client discussion guides to enhance MFS's distribution expertise and dialog with clients on retirement issues.

• Assist other teams and regions within MFS and perform additional duties as requested.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFA, MBA or other Master's degree is strongly preferred.

• Required minimum of 10 years of retirement plan investment consulting, senior plan sponsor or asset management experience working with both public and private sector DB clients. DC experience is welcomed but not required. 

• Established credibility and visibility in the US retirement market is preferred.

• A thorough understanding of both public and private DB in the US is required. Familiarity with Canadian, UK, Australian and other global retirement issues is desirable.

• Ability and willingness to be hands on in analyzing data, building PowerPoint presentations, white papers and other thought leadership.

• Excellent public speaking and communication skills required.

• Experience with investment strategy, all asset classes and asset allocation/ investment issues pertinent to retirement plans is required.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively and manage multiple tasks simultaneously within tight deadlines.

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At MFS, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply - you might be just the right candidate for this role or others.

What we offer:

• Generous time-off provided: including "Responsible time off" for many roles, paid company holidays when the US Stock Exchange is closed, plus paid volunteer time
• Family Focus: Up to 20 weeks of paid leave for new parents, back-up care program, dependent care flexible spending account, adoption assistance, generous caregiver leave
• Health and Welfare: Competitive medical, vision and dental plans, plus tax-free health savings accounts with company contributions
• Wellness Programs: Robust wellness webinars, employee assistance program, gym reimbursement through our medical plans, fitness center discounts and more
• Life & Disability Benefits: Company-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) savings plan, Defined Contribution plan- 15% of base salary invested into the Plan, competitive total compensation programs

MFS is a hybrid work environment (remote/onsite) unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

If any applicant is unable to complete an application or respond to a job opening because of a disability, please contact MFS at 617-954-5000 or email talent_acquisition@mfs.com for assistance. 

MFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. Employees and applicants of MFS will not be subject to harassment on the basis of their status. Additionally, retaliation, including intimidation, threats, or coercion, because an employee or applicant has objected to discrimination, engaged or may engage in filing a complaint, assisted in a review, investigation, or hearing or have otherwise sought to obtain their legal rights under any Federal, State, or local EEO law is prohibited. Please see the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal document, linked for your reference.