Head of Investments

Job Description:

Why AXA? Every day, we work together for human progress by protecting what matters. A mission that puts a smile on your face and makes you want to get up in the morning

One of the world's leading insurers in the protection of property, people and assets, AXA is 145,000 employees and contributors who are committed to our customers on a daily basis, 51 countries in which we distribute our products and services and more than 90 million customers who place their trust in us worldwide. As a responsible corporate citizen, AXA is committed to social and environmental causes on a daily basis. We are committed to an inclusive policy that recognizes and values individual differences. Do these ambitions speak to you? Then come and change the world with us

The headquarters of the AXA Group (GIE AXA) brings together our corporate activities. It provides guidance and support to subsidiaries around the world, to ensure the coordination and monitoring of the Group's global strategy, the application of its standards, the consistency of commercial approaches and the sharing of best practices. The headquarters gathers approximately 1000 employees and is distinguished by its strong international culture (45 nationalities), which makes it a rich and stimulating place to work.

Within GIE AXA, the Group Legal Department is organized into four teams of more than 8 nationalities (29 persons mostly based in Paris): (i) Corporate Finance & Investments, (ii) Secretary to the Board and Corporate & Governance, (iii) M&A, Partnerships & Corporate Transformation, and (iv) Insurance, Reinsurance & Strategic Projects. Working languages are English and French.

The primary function of the role is to provide advice to AXA's business teams and senior management (including the Group General Counsel and the Group Chief Investment Officer) on the legal aspects of investments and M&A transactions executed by the AXA Group.

As the key legal advisor to the Group Chief Investor Officer and his team for the implementation of AXA's investment strategy, the role is responsible for leading legal support on the Group's investments activity and supporting other practices of the Group Legal Department, which includes:

• Group investments and transactions:
• Lead and organise the legal review and participate in negotiation of transactions and investments in a variety of asset classes (including in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate) and formats (including co-investments, secondaries, funds, and funds of funds);
• Identify legal and regulatory risks associated with investments, and deliver clear and actionable recommendations to business teams and senior management, including as part of the Group investment approval process;
• Lead legal aspects for the structuring of investments in accordance with Group Standards and the needs of the relevant Group entities, including with feeder funds and intermediary vehicles;

• Exercise oversight on legal aspects of investments and funds managed by third-party investment managers, in particular for due diligence purposes;

• Relationship with asset/investment managers:

• Review and participate in the negotiation of investment management agreements, advisory agreements, strategic partnership agreements and other agreements with third party asset and investment managers;
• Lead the advice on the legal and regulatory implications of the relationship with third-party asset/investment managers (e.g. with respect to AIFMD or outsourcing aspects);

• Participate and proactively contribute in shaping the oversight of, and implementation of the partnership with, AXA IM;

• Supporting M&A, responsible investments, and derivatives practices:

• Support the legal execution of major international M&A projects in accordance with AXA' strategic plan, including by leading and coordinating certain projects on legal aspects;
• Coordinate legal advice on ESG clauses and exclusions in investment documentation, and impact and thematic investment vehicles (including green bonds, social bonds, and climate funds);

• Support the legal review and negotiation of derivatives, and the oversight on legal aspects of the services provided by AXA IM in that respect;

• Thought leadership:

• Monitor and inform teams and senior management of legal and regulatory developments in the investment field, including in particular on AIFMD and ESG/responsible investments;
• Proactively contribute to the improvement of legal processes and policies for Group investments, and ensure application of best practices and internal policies;
• Autonomously manage the appointment of, and the relationship with, external legal advisors in relation to investment matters and transactions, and ensure compliance with budget;
• Contribute to strategic and ad hoc projects for the Group Legal Department.

The role involves interacting with senior management and AXA's Group Investments team, but also with other Group corporate functions, Group entities and multiple external stakeholders including asset/investment managers and investors. It requires delivering pragmatic and commercial legal advice to the highest international standards in AXA's inherently complex, international, highly regulated and ever-evolving environment.

The role is key in securing AXA's investments while ensuring that actions are taken in the best long-term interest of the Group and all stakeholders (including shareholders, policyholders and employees) and protecting the Group, the Board and management from legal, regulatory and reputational actions or risk.

• Technical skills and expertise
• Qualified UK/US/French lawyer with experience from first ranking international law firms
• Solid expertise in corporate and financial law (including M&A) and related market practice
• Strong knowledge of investment funds documentation and regulations (e.g. AIFMD)
• Good understanding of adjacent domains (finance, risks, compliance, tax, governance, and financial communication)
• Experience working internationally, advising on multi-jurisdictional issues
• Fluent in English and, ideally, in French

• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory constraints applicable to insurance companies, particularly in the context of investments, would be a plus

• Soft skills

• Driven/highly motivated, with enthusiasm for new areas of expertise and agility to work outside own comfort zone
• Can operate at a high-level under tight deadlines, with competing priorities
• Client-driven, pragmatic and innovative
• Team player with ability to influence and federate across departments/ the Group (One AXA)
• Integrity/trustworthiness, and courage to challenge and be challenged
• Autonomous, in managing projects and transactions, with reporting up on key issues
• Excellent writing, communication and presentation abilities, with the ability to summarise complex issues in a business-oriented manner (e.g. for senior management)
• Excellent transaction management abilities

You will join:

• A responsible company, towards people, including its employees and customers, and towards the planet
• A company with strong values
• A company promoting internal mobility and the training of its employees
• A company offering many benefits (learn more here: Reward & Benefits | AXA Group)
• A flexible company, allowing hybrid work, in the office and from home.

In line with our commitments, we celebrate each new hire by taking action for global reforestation: we plant a tree for every recruitment. So, are you ready to apply?