ESG Business Development Analyst – EMEA

About AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver concrete, long-term results by looking past market noise to identify and isolate the factors that matter most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. By putting theory into practice, we have become a leader in alternative strategies and an innovator in traditional portfolio management since 1998.

At AQR, our employees share a common spirit of academic excellence, intellectual honesty and an unwavering commitment to seeking the truth. We’re determined to know what makes financial markets tick – and we’ll ask every question and challenge every assumption. We recognize and respect the power of collaboration and believe transparency and openness to new ideas leads to innovation.

About AQR Capital Management

AQR is a global investment management firm built at the intersection of financial theory and practical application. We strive to deliver superior, long-term results for our clients by seeking to filter out market noise to identify and isolate what matters most, and by developing ideas that stand up to rigorous testing. Underpinning this philosophy is an unrelenting commitment to excellence in technology — powering our insights and analysis. This unique combination has made us leaders in alternative and traditional strategies since 1998.

AQR takes a systematic, research-driven approach, applying quantitative tools to process fundamental information and manage risk. Our clients include institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds, as well as financial advisors.

The Team

AQR is looking to hire an Analyst to join our EMEA Business Development team, with a particular focus on ESG and sustainability.

This is a hybrid role. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for supporting AQR’s ESG-related Business Development activities while also working as an integrated member of the established EMEA Business Development Analyst team.

The EMEA Business Development group works with clients across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East to understand their investment objectives and provide appropriate investment solutions. Our clients include some of the world’s largest institutional investors as well as participants in the private-wealth market.

The role provides an opportunity to develop specialist expertise in ESG and sustainability while gaining broad exposure to AQR’s investment strategies, institutional clients and wider Business Development activities.

Your Role

The Analyst will act as an important link between AQR’s ESG activities, the EMEA Business Development team and our clients. ESG and sustainability will form the core of the role, supplemented by broader Business Development responsibilities and support for the EMEA team. This role is particularly well suited to a candidate who wants to build specialist expertise in ESG and sustainability within an investment-management and client-facing environment, without being confined to a narrowly defined ESG position. The successful candidate will become part of the broader EMEA Business Development Analyst team, gaining exposure to institutional investors, AQR’s investment strategies and senior professionals across the firm while developing a distinct area of expertise in ESG and sustainability

Responsibilities will include:

• ESG & Sustainability

• Partner with Business Development colleagues on ESG-related client requests, including Requests for Proposal/Information (RFP/RFI) and Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs).

• Support AQR’s ESG stewardship, proxy voting and sustainability reporting activities, including UNPRI, SFDR and the ESG Annual Report.

• Act as a central Business Development point of contact for sustainability-related projects and investor inquiries, coordinating with relevant colleagues across the firm.

• Develop a strong understanding of AQR’s approach to ESG and sustainability and communicate that approach clearly and consistently to clients and prospective investors.

• Remain current on relevant ESG and sustainability trends and developments and help disseminate key findings internally.

• Support the development and maintenance of high-quality ESG-related client and marketing materials.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Business Development and other functions to ensure ESG-related client inquiries and projects are handled accurately, consistently and in a timely manner.

• EMEA Business Development

• Alongside the ESG mandate, the Analyst will work as part of the broader EMEA Business Development Analyst team and support its ongoing client and business development activities. Responsibilities will include:

• Support senior members of the EMEA Business Development team in building and deepening relationships with investors.

• Develop strong knowledge of AQR’s investment strategies, products and asset classes.

• Support the preparation and completion of RFPs, RFIs and DDQs to a high standard, coordinating with colleagues across the business.

• Liaise with Business Development colleagues to update marketing materials and help leverage AQR’s intellectual capital, including white papers, webinars and investment analysis.

• Work with portfolio managers and other investment professionals to create and maintain high-quality client presentation materials.

• Help coordinate responses to investor inquiries, drawing on the appropriate resources and expertise from across the firm.

• Support the preparation and coordination of client meetings and conference calls.

• Provide broader analytical and project support to the EMEA Business Development team as required.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline; sustainability-related qualifications are a plus.

• At least 2 years of relevant post-undergraduate professional experience. Experience within investment management, financial services, professional services or consulting would be advantageous.

• A demonstrable interest in ESG, sustainability and investment management.

• High degree of intellectual curiosity and an appetite to develop a detailed understanding of AQR’s investment strategies and approach.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel; knowledge of Python is a plus.

• Ability to produce consistently high-quality work while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Who You Are

• Well-organized and highly detail-oriented.

• Intellectually curious, with an interest in understanding both ESG issues and the wider investment management industry.

• A self-starter who is comfortable working independently while thriving in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

• Committed to excellent client service and consistently high standards of output.

• Comfortable working with colleagues across different teams, functions and levels of seniority.

• Willing to challenge existing approaches constructively and bring curiosity and an innovative mindset to new responsibilities.

• Goal-oriented, accountable and motivated by continued learning and professional development.

• A person of strong integrity whose approach is consistent with AQR’s values and core principles.

AQR is an Equal Opportunity Employer.