Research Associate (Consumer and Financials Sector; Chinese/Mandarin required)

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Job description

About Sands Capital:

We are a long-term concentrated growth investment manager based in Arlington, Virginia (or greater Washington, D.C. area). We invest globally across the life cycle of high-quality innovative businesses, ranging from early-stage private to leading public companies. Our investment philosophy centers around our six criteria based on our founding principles (detailed on our website ). Our strategies employ a fundamental, bottom-up research process to manage over $80 billion dollars in client assets (as of September 30, 2021).

Identified below are Core Values the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.
• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.
• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.

About the Research Associate (RA) Role:

You will work as an apprentice for an Investment Analyst and in close partnership with our broader consumer and financials team to support research on new investment ideas and existing investments across our domestic, global, and emerging market portfolios in public and private markets.

The primary area of focus will be conducting research on innovative growth companies across the consumer and financial technology industries in Emerging Markets, including consumer staples, consumer discretionary, consumer internet, insurance, fintech etc. As part of the research process, you will have the opportunity to meet with C-suite executives from leading companies, interview industry experts, attend industry conferences, and make on-site visits to relevant portfolio company facilities. The RA who excels in the role will have increased input into the investment decision making process and will take on greater responsibility for planning research projects and coaching junior staff members.

Position Responsibilities:

Coordinate research activities with your managing analyst including:

• Successfully completing all research projects by:
  • Actively conducting deep primary diligence relevant to investment opportunities and staying current on relevant secondary diligence/reading
  • Creating and maintaining financial models that support the investment decision process
  • Crafting well-informed and succinct earning notes and headlines
  • Preparing presentations to support bringing new ideas to the portfolio
  • Preparing questions for meetings with management teams and experts, and leading those calls as appropriate
• Executing on functional tasks by:
  • Accurately uploading proprietary company data to FactSet
  • Running and distributing key company and portfolio level reports
  • Updating and maintaining key Investment Team and sector-specific documents and tools to include company models, sector screens, and data tracking
• Developing a strong team dynamic by building and sustaining effective and supportive working relationships within and between sectors by:
  • Prioritizing research with your sector team(s)
  • Establishing transparency and embracing best practices by communicating priorities, projects, and other statue updates with the sector team(s)
  • Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital's values and culture

The RA is typically expected to work for 2-4 years before either leaving for external opportunities or being considered for internal promotion based on performance and firm needs.

Skills and Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, or other relevant major. Strong academic performance is required.
• A genuine and demonstrable passion for investment research
• 0-3 years of experience analyzing companies and industries, including investment banking, sell-side research, management consulting, and/or business development at a consumer-operating, financial or technology company
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional work ethic and an ability to complete assigned projects in a timely manner without direct supervision
• Be able to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team while also being able to work independently with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy
• Be highly self-motivated with an analytical mindset, strategic aptitude, and a positive 'can-do' attitude
• CFA charter-holder or CFA candidate, preferred
• Fluent in Chinese (speaking, reading, and writing

Values for Success at Sands Capital:

• Focus: Identify and concentrate on "what matters"
• Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking
• Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly
• Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making
• Positive "Can-Do" Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task
• Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times
• Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm
• Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital

How to Apply:

To be considered, candidates must submit a resume that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position. If you wish to apply for this position, please do so via Sands Capital Management's Careers page at

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits.

Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.

We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

View the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster here and its supplement here.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.