Associate Asset Manager

Associate Asset Manager

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Evaluate investment opportunities and manage transactions in private credit and alternative income.
  • Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and health support.
  • Other info: Flexible hybrid working model and excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the finance sector while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in private credit with strong financial modelling skills.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

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 Asset Manager you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset.

This role will provide a great opportunity to focus on transactions in the Matching Asset Strategy including core infrastructure; renewable energy; digital infrastructure and real estate-backed credit.

The successful candidate will work alongside colleagues in the Investment and Asset Management Teams, as well as the Property team on select transactions.

The Associate Investment Director will have responsibility for origination, underwriting, monitoring of Private Credit and Alternative Income (PCAI) investments.

  • What you will be doing
  • As a trusted part of the Private Markets team you will be responsible for:
  • Evaluate and identify investment opportunities that are suitable for USS’s Private Credit mandate, and form investment recommendations to Private Markets Investment Committee.
  • Assist Investment Directors/Transaction lead in managing end-toend transaction processes.

To include liaising with key internal stakeholders and managing external workstreams such as legal, credit/commercial & financial due diligence and tax Due Diligence.

  • Identify attractive investment thematics and build origination roadmap that led to successful execution of transactions that offer, among other things, long duration IG credit exposure to USS.
  • Develop key origination relationships with sponsors, GPs, intermediaries and corporates.
  • Assist in asset management, managing the life cycle of the investments, delivering strategic objectives, leveraging advisors / servicers and presenting materials updates or recommendations to the Portfolio Review Committees.
  • Represent USS within industry including attendance and presenting at conferences and proactively promoting PMG’s investment strategy and team.
  • Proactively participate as a member of the management forum within PCAI, proactively participating in strategy, team prioritisation and thought leadership for operational improvements across the team.

About you

To be successful in the role you will have

  • Experience of private credit, of which 5+ years underwriting direct private credit transactions.
  • Demonstrate an origination network, ideally within UK infrastructure /energy transition.
  • Ability to lead transaction negotiations independently.
  • Demonstrated experience of accountability for underwriting and proactive asset management.
  • Experience of managing an M&A/debt underwriting process
  • Extensive knowledge of the private equity/credit community
  • Excellent financial modelling skills, strong understanding of company valuation techniques and portfolio construction
  • Undergraduate degree in finance related subject from a top-tier university
  • Capable of both bottom-up investment analytics and top-down strategic thinking
  • Ability to deliver high quality work under constrained timelines.
  • Competent at prioritisation, process organisation, and management of multiple workstreams.
  • Ability to influence & fulfil investment decisions.
  • Enhance and further develop USS’ cultural objectives.

Why join us?

  • 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

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.

We are active members of

  • Social Mobility Pledge
  • Menopause Workplace Pledge
  • Actively support Women in Tech
  • Annual Intern programme supporting individuals to gain work experience.

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 500,000 members and their families.

We are one of the largest pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £90.8bn (at 31 March 2022).

To find out more, please visit https://www. uss. co. uk

The Private Markets Group (PMG) consists of a 60+ person team that oversees c. £30 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 “One PMG" 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, Thames Water 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 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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Associate Asset Manager employer: USS Investment Management Limited

At USS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and inclusivity. With a strong focus on employee development, our hybrid working model provides flexibility while ensuring you have the autonomy to make impactful contributions from day one. Join us to be part of a leading pension scheme where your career can thrive alongside a diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the financial futures of our members.

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Contact Details:

USS Investment Management Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Asset Manager

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 USS Investment Management Limited. 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 Associate Asset Manager

Private Credit Underwriting
Investment Analysis
Transaction Management
Financial Modelling
Company Valuation Techniques
Portfolio Construction
Negotiation 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 USS Investment Management Limited.

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 USS Investment Management Limited'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 USS Investment Management Limited

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 USS Investment Management Limited.

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 USS Investment Management Limited 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 USS Investment Management Limited 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.