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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Research and monitor asset managers to meet long-term investment goals.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Great salary, generous leave, health support, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial futures while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and some experience in investment research.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on individual growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Place of Work: London
Contract Type: Permanent
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.
About the role
In your role as Manager Research Associate, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to help research, select and monitor asset managers, across public equity, fixed income and absolute return for the DB and DC sections of the Scheme.
What you will be doing
- Research: Contribute to the research of existing and potential external asset managers to help meet the Scheme's long-term investment objectives. Analyse and review existing mandates to ensure ongoing fitness for purpose and produce regular monitoring reports. Work with internal asset class desks to ensure appropriate diversification of alpha sources and to maximise the benefits of the external manager programme. Contribute to review and oversight of internally managed strategies. Participate in early-stage research on new managers and strategy types that could play a role within the Scheme's investment strategy in future. Establish and strengthen relationships with external managers.
- Due diligence: Support the mandate search process, producing initial long- and short-lists of potential managers, working with internal and external stakeholders as necessary. Undertake qualitative and quantitative due diligence (DD) on prospective managers including an assessment of managers' RI capabilities (covering both ESG integration and stewardship activity).
- Implementation: To guide managers through the DD process, working closely with a broader team across Operations, Compliance, RI, Financial Risk, Investment Strategy & Advice, Legal, and Finance to help to ensure that the external mandates are implemented as intended.
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:
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Strong communication skills (both written and oral)
- Ability to prioritise effectively and to manage multiple projects
- Experience in the investment industry, with some exposure to manager research and selection activity
- CFA-qualified or working towards CFA qualification (or similar)
Why join us?
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 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).
USS 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.
Manager Research Associate in London employer: CFA Institute
Contact Detail:
CFA Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager Research Associate in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the investment industry, especially those who work at USS or similar firms. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching USS and its investment strategies. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how you can contribute to our goals. Tailor your answers to reflect our values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with manager research and selection. We want to see how you approach problem-solving and decision-making in real scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website, even if you don’t tick every box. If you’re excited about the role and have relevant experience, we want to hear from you! Your enthusiasm can make a big difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager Research Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the Manager Research Associate role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills: Since strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills are key for this position, be sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. We love seeing real-life applications of your abilities!
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are crucial, so keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. Remember, we’re looking for clarity just as much as content!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at USS!
How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Institute
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Manager Research Associate, you'll need strong quantitative skills. Brush up on your analytical techniques and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles. Prepare examples of how your analysis has influenced decision-making.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with USS's mission and values, especially their focus on integrity and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle multiple projects. Think of specific scenarios from your experience where you successfully managed competing priorities or conducted due diligence on asset managers.