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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to support investment processes in private markets.
- Company: USS is a leading pension scheme, securing futures for over 528,000 members.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and health perks like private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a vibrant, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree with experience in finance or investment; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and community engagement through volunteer days.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Job Description
Associate
Business Area: Private Markets
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.
Our office is a vibrant place to work, and we offer flexibility of office/homeworking due to our hybrid model.
About the role
In your role as Associate you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset.
This role will provide a great opportunity to participate in all aspects of the investment process across a mix of direct investment, co-investment and fund investments and will encompass the full breadth of infrastructure and private equity activity across origination and structuring of transactions to asset management and portfolio monitoring.
As an Associate, you will be a part of a pool of equity Analysts, Associates and Senior Associates working across both equity teams.
You will have a career path towards specialising further in either team, initially as a Senior Associate before progressing to Associate Investment Director and beyond.
What you will be doing
As a trusted part of the Private Markets you will:
- Support origination through research, analysis, and sector monitoring
- Liaise with targets, investee companies, and investment managers
- Contribute to investment due diligence, structuring, and valuation analysis
- Support legal workstreams and coordinate external advisors
- Co-author and present Investment Committee papers
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders on tax, legal, risk, and compliance
- Assist in asset management activities, monitoring performance and engaging with GPs and company leadership
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:
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent, with post-graduate experience in financial services
- Background in investment, advisory, or related fields (e.g. investment management, banking, corporate finance, consulting, law)
- Prior exposure to infrastructure and/or private equity
- Strong analytical skills with experience in valuation, cash flow, LBO and DCF modelling
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to build strong relationships
- Proactive team player with strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and ability to travel internationally
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 Days 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.
Associate - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited employer: Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
Contact Detail:
Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in private equity and infrastructure investments. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in private markets or related fields. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the role and company culture at USS.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills in detail, especially regarding valuation and cash flow modelling. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and communication abilities by preparing examples of successful collaborations. Highlight how you've built relationships in past roles, as this is crucial for the Associate position at USS.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial services, investment management, or related fields. Emphasise your analytical skills and any exposure to infrastructure or private equity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at USS and how your background aligns with their values of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in valuation and cash flow modelling.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Provide examples of how you've used these tools in previous roles, especially in relation to investment analysis or due diligence.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your understanding of the investment process and your ability to work collaboratively. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they have prepared you for this role at USS.
How to prepare for a job interview at Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to understand the Universities Superannuation Scheme and its Private Markets Group. Familiarise yourself with their investment strategies, recent projects, and overall mission. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on strong analytical skills in the job description, be prepared to discuss your experience with valuation, cash flow, LBO, and DCF modelling. Bring examples of past work or projects where you successfully applied these skills, as this will highlight your suitability for the Associate position.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
As the role involves working closely with various teams, expect questions about your teamwork and collaboration experiences. Think of specific instances where you contributed to a team project, how you handled conflicts, and what you learned from those experiences. This will show that you are a proactive team player.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to present an Investment Committee paper or discuss complex topics, so being able to communicate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
