Private Markets Strategy Associate Business Area: Private Markets When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme means you will have numerous opportunities to learn and develop your career. Given our size you'll have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.
Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model. In your role as Private Markets Strategy Associate you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to join the Strategy team (part of the Private Markets Group) which is responsible for top-down solutions across capital and asset allocation, portfolio strategy and thematics.
The role is suitable for a person who takes keen interest into asset allocation and building resilient portfolios across a multi-asset private portfolio. The job will involve a quantitative and qualitative approach and build tools often with fewer industry-level standards to enable to take investment decisions. The successful candidate will be able to tap into a technical skillset to find practical solutions whilst being a collaborative member and working closely with the wider internal Private Markets Group as well as wider USS teams. What you will be doing As a trusted part of the Private Markets team you will be responsible for: Delivering Results - Help prepare analysis and materials for the Private Market Allocation Committee (focused on the formulation of the long-term investment deployment plan, portfolio review and re-allocation decisions across private asset classes).
- Advance the portfolio management tools and develop comprehensive analytics to understand key investment exposures, biases and portfolio forward planning. Provide support on modelling to understand drivers of historical and projected performance, risk exposure and economic sensitivities
- Coordinate and prepare materials for internal and external private market strategy communication and regular investment reporting to the USSIM Board, Investment Committee and Annual PMG Strategy Offsite.
- Think creatively and provide quantitative and qualitative support for the research and development of investment themes (e.g. Net Zero, Deglobalisation, Demographics, Digitalisation)
- Remain abreast with wider market and macro developments in public and private markets.
- Provide support and enhance cash flow modelling analytics and scenario analysis whilst ensuring data integrity
- Update, maintain and constantly evolve the strategy infrastructure.
- Execute additional tasks in order to meet department related projects
- Manage Resources and Relationships
- Maintain a constant dialogue with Head of PMG and Mandate Heads
- Close collaboration with Investment Strategy and Advice (“ISA”) team as well as Performance and Risk teams (PAIR)
- Act as an internal and external ambassador for PMG, including exhibiting and promoting the PMG Terms of Trade and USSIM cultural values
- Help to create a positive culture of open dialogue and a collegiate approach with all teams
About you We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box, if you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, then please apply, regardless of whether you meet all the requirements outlined in this profile. To be successful in the role you will have: - A BSc or MSc level degree in economics or finance related degree
- Experience in strategy-related roles with strong ability to produce analysis and research for well-thought pieces
- Private markets or pension fund/insurance knowledge is preferred but not required
- CFA or other qualification is a plus
- Strong excel skills and understanding of platforms like Bloomberg/ Thompson Reuters. Python and VBA a plus.
- Project management experience is a plus with ability to engage with variety of stakeholders
At USS, every individual contributes to building a secure financial future for our members and their families. We strive to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. We're also committed to helping you build your career by providing opportunities for development. We put a focus on recognising and supporting each individual's unique career path, driving this forward with the support of an engaged and proactive management team. Here at USS, we want you to thrive in and out of work with a friendly team, flexible culture and excellent range of benefits! How we will reward you - Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high quality pension scheme provided through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies (including enhanced occupational sickness pay and family friendly pay)
- Financial contributions towards your personal development to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing services i.e., private healthcare, discounted gym membership
- Learning and development opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and talent
- Employee Volunteer Day’s to support the communities where you work and live
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our culture and values Our people are what makes us different. We work together to create a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where people are welcomed and feel comfortable in the knowledge that they can be themselves. Our purpose firmly states the importance of members, putting them ‘front and centre’ of what we do. This is embedded through our values: - Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
About us Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for more than 528,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £75.5bn (at 31 March 2023). To find out more, please visit https://www.uss.co.uk
The Private Markets Group (PMG) consists of a 70+ person team that oversees c. £25 billion in assets across a fast-growing and diverse portfolio of private equity, infrastructure, private credit and property investments on behalf of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). By operating as a single team, with individual areas of specialism and expertise, PMG is able to combine its resources through a “OnePMG" approach to investing which allows us to maximise origination, due diligence, transaction execution and asset management by tailoring the right mix of skills.
Capable of deploying capital across the full range of private market investing (direct, joint ventures, partnerships, co-investments and funds), and with in-house asset management and strategy teams complementing our investment function, PMG has developed a strong track record of innovation that is frequently recognised by our peers across equity, credit and property and, as one of the UK’s pre-eminent private markets’ investors, PMG often partners with many of the largest, most respected global financial institutions.
PMG’s portfolio includes ownership of some of the UK’s largest and most recognisable private companies including Heathrow Airport and Moto, and, through its holdings, is an established presence in the UK renewables sector. We also hold governance positions through our investments in a range of companies located across the EU, North America and Australia with exposure across different industries and sectors.
Being part of USS Investment Management (USSIM), the in-house manager for the UK’s largest pension scheme and serving the needs of USS and its members, PMG takes its role as a responsible investor seriously and is committed to adopting and promoting strong ESG credentials across its investments.
USSIM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to ensure our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible so we can attract diverse candidates and recruit the best talent. We want all candidates to perform at their best during the recruitment process, so if you need any reasonable adjustments or if there is anything we can do to help support you through your recruitment journey please let us know by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk. |
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