Business Area: Operations Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 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. In your role as ODD Senior Associate, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to conduct operational due diligence reviews of externally managed funds and service providers; conducting enhanced due diligence reviews (i.e., background checks) and AML/KYC checks on private markets transactions across a mix of direct investments, syndicated and direct lending, co-investments and fund investments; and conducting executing broker due diligence checks. As a trusted part of the Operations team you will be responsible for:
Delivery - Lead operational due diligence reviews of prospective and existing externally managed investments (both public and private, across a range of structures and asset types) and service providers including making on-site visits with a colleague, interviewing managers and performing background checks.
- Conduct AML/KYC checks on private markets transactions.
- Conduct executing broker due diligence reviews.
- Prepare operational due diligence reports.
- Assist with team planning, pipeline management, and scheduling meetings.
- Assist with preparing management information for relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholder Management - Build strong relationships with USS colleagues, exercising influencing skills.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders including deal teams, legal, and compliance.
Development - Develop and maintain a good understanding of operational risk including operational controls and areas of potential weakness as well as the operational implications of new developments in alternative investments and compliance issues. Seek training opportunities to enhance skills.
- Periodic interaction with relevant internal subject matter experts.
- Be involved in the continual improvement and development of the operational due diligence process.
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 background in a similar role and ability to assess and mitigate operational risks.
- Experience within operational due diligence and knowledge of investment structures.
- Thorough understanding of the trade life cycle and key risks associated at each stage.
- Familiarity with the financial services’ regulatory environment.
- Strong analytical and report writing skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to build strong relationships.
- Empathetic interviewing skills.
- Ability to work within a small team and when required, independently research and produce a well-supported opinion.
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and effectively prioritise competing demands.
- Ability to work to deadlines.
- Professional or higher degree qualifications, for example, CFA, CAIA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA or progress towards either risk management qualification, legal, accounting or auditing qualification.
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 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
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We work with around 330 employers to help build a secure financial future for almost 577,000 members and their families. We are one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025). To find out more, please visit https://www.uss.co.uk
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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