Principal, Public Markets, Investment Risk UK

Principal, Public Markets, Investment Risk UK

Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead investment risk strategies and provide independent oversight in public markets.
  • Company: Join AustralianSuper, a top global pension fund committed to strong governance.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and leading pension contributions.
  • Other info: Hybrid work schedule with opportunities for career growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a sophisticated investment environment with a diverse team.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in public markets and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

AustralianSuper is the largest pension fund in Australia and one of the 20 largest pension funds globally. We are a responsible, long term asset owner committed to delivering strong retirement outcomes for members, with strong governance central to our approach.

At AustralianSuper, we truly care about our colleagues. We know work and life are intertwined, so we support the flexibility and balance that helps our people thrive.

Your new role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal working within Public Markets Investment Risk to join our Group Risk team. This is a senior Line 2 investment risk role, acting as a recognised Subject Matter Expert for Listed Equities and providing independent oversight, challenge and insight across the Fund’s public markets investment activities.

Working closely with senior investment stakeholders, you’ll bring an independent risk perspective to portfolio strategy, manager appointments, investment proposals and key governance decisions. You’ll also play an important role in continuing to evolve our public markets risk frameworks and ensuring our approach reflects leading global institutional investment practice.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Provide independent oversight and challenge across Listed Equities strategies, including International and Australian Equities.
  • Review portfolio strategies, manager appointments, investment proposals and strategic initiatives, providing clear and commercially informed risk perspectives.
  • Assess portfolio exposures, concentrations and emerging risks, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implications for the broader Fund.
  • Challenge investment assumptions, valuation approaches, portfolio construction decisions, liquidity considerations and other key risk drivers.
  • Prepare high-quality independent risk assessments, reviews and materials for senior management and governance forums.
  • Lead the ongoing development of Listed Equities and broader public markets risk frameworks, methodologies, monitoring approaches and governance practices.
  • Provide thought leadership on emerging market risks, industry developments and evolving investment structures.
  • Build strong relationships with investment teams, external managers and advisers while maintaining independence of judgement.
  • Partner with colleagues across Investment & Liquidity Risk and Group Risk to provide a holistic view of investment risk across the portfolio.
  • Contribute to Board, Committee and Executive risk reporting and support a strong risk culture across the Fund.

What you’ll need

We’re looking for a highly experienced investment or risk professional who can combine deep Listed Equities expertise with strong commercial judgement and the confidence to constructively challenge senior investment stakeholders. You’ll ideally bring:

  • Extensive experience across public markets investing, investment risk, portfolio management, ideally having worked within a pension fund, sovereign wealth fund, asset manager, or regulated financial services environment.
  • Deep experience and technical knowledge of Listed Equities.
  • Strong understanding of equity risk drivers including market, sector, style, regional, manager, concentration, liquidity and idiosyncratic risk.
  • Strong knowledge of portfolio construction, including multi-manager portfolios and differing investment strategies and objectives.
  • Demonstrated experience providing credible independent challenge to senior investment professionals.
  • Experience developing or enhancing public markets risk frameworks, methodologies and monitoring approaches.
  • An understanding of the role of Listed Equities within large, diversified multi-asset institutional portfolios.
  • The ability to identify emerging risks and translate complex analysis into clear, actionable insights.
  • Experience preparing investment reviews, risk opinions and governance materials for senior executives, Investment Committees or Boards.
  • Exceptional analytical, critical-thinking and judgement skills.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to make complex investment and risk concepts clear to different audiences.
  • Relevant Degree / Qualifications and hold an accreditation in Risk Management or be willing to obtain one after joining the Fund.

This position is based at London King’s Cross Estate, one of the core assets of the Fund’s global portfolio, with a hybrid work schedule.

Life at AustralianSuper: Our London and New York offices are made up of over 300 talented colleagues and is expected to grow further over the next three years meaning when you join you become a key part of building our culture. As we collaborate with colleagues across multiple time zones flexibility in work hours are both a requirement and opportunity for this role.

We offer great benefits including generous leave type, leading pension contributions, health insurance and promote a blended working environment in which all roles can flex, and we’re happy to discuss what this looks like for you. We are committed to supporting our diverse workforce in a way that is inclusive and embraces diversity in all its forms. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role, please let our recruitment team know.

What’s next: If you have deep Listed Equities expertise and are looking for an opportunity to apply that experience in a highly sophisticated, long-term institutional investment environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now, if you share our values of Energy, Integrity, Generosity of Spirit and Excellent Outcomes and would like the opportunity to work in a challenging, growing and rapidly evolving team to deliver outstanding results.

Progress, powered by purpose. AustralianSuper uses AI to review resumes and conduct initial phone interviews. This involves processing your resume, cover letter, and voice recording in Australia, the UK and the USA to help assess your suitability for the applied role. When invited to an AI phone screening, you may opt for a traditional phone screening instead. For information on how we handle your personal data, please refer to our Candidate Privacy Policy.

Principal, Public Markets, Investment Risk UK employer: AustralianSuper

AustralianSuper is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth and mentorship while contributing to impactful investment strategies that shape the future of retirement for millions. Join a culture that values diversity, integrity, and excellence, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in global equities.

A

Contact Details:

AustralianSuper Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal, Public Markets, Investment Risk UK

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

✨Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AustralianSuper. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal, Public Markets, Investment Risk UK

Investment Risk Management
Listed Equities Expertise
Portfolio Management
Risk Assessment
Independent Challenge
Public Markets Risk Frameworks
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AustralianSuper.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AustralianSuper's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at AustralianSuper

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AustralianSuper.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at AustralianSuper will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former AustralianSuper employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.