Head of Private Markets Compliance Advisory

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 Head of Private Markets Compliance Advisory, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to support the Head of Group Compliance in the effective design and implementation of a compliance framework that meets the needs of USSIM. You will deputise for the Head of Group Compliance (where agreed) to provide relevant Compliance updates to both USS Group Executive and Board level Committees.

In addition, you will interpret USSIM’s regulatory obligations and ensure these are understood by the business by means of USS group’s horizon tracking system, and a Compliance Manual, Compliance Policies, and an effective programme of periodic Compliance training provision as well as manage the Compliance Advisory function advising on matters relating to Private Markets compliance.

• Maintain strong working relationships across USSIM business units.
• Provide specialist regulatory compliance advice to USSIM business functions as is reasonably requested.
• Be responsible for the maintenance of USS Group Compliance Policies that are reflective, proportionate, and reflect UK regulatory obligations applicable to USSIM’s business operations.
• Be responsible for the maintenance of training programme content as is relevant to USSIM’s regulatory obligations; including the content of mandatory computer-based training, and the delivery of periodic supplemental topic specific training alongside external partners such as law firms.
• Be responsible for coordinating and drafting USS group’s financial crime risk assessment.
• Ensure that appropriate Compliance support and advice is available where requested in support of USSIM key change projects, to support the business in understanding their regulatory obligations.
• Ensure an appropriate representation at key business and investment committee meetings.
• Contribute to the development of the Compliance Annual Plan, and USSIM Annual Compliance Monitoring Programme (CMP) and, where requested, relevant USS Group reviews, including identifying new and emerging risks from business and applicable UK regulatory developments and assessing their impact on the CMP.
• Effective collaboration with the Head of Compliance Monitoring to support the development of the Compliance Monitoring Officers’ technical and regulatory knowledge as it applies to USSIM.
• Be responsible for conducting regulatory breach assessment investigations via USS Group’s event reporting system, as they relate to USSIM.
• Monitor industry developments and best practice, including maintaining relationships with trade associations and peers to apply and roll these out as relevant.
• Assist in the writing and preparation of Compliance update papers and reports to USSIM Executive, USS Group Executive and board level committees.
• Present to USSIM, USS Group Executive and Board level committees where requested.
• Oversee the content of the monthly Compliance MI pack as it relates to USSIM key processes.

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:

• Demonstrable experience of Private compliance in practice.
• A good understanding of Public Markets, and alternative asset classes; and including property, derivatives and alternative investments.
• Thorough knowledge of the UK regulatory framework, including key regimes such as MiFID II, MAR and SM&CR.
• Sound knowledge of financial crime impact and application within asset management including both Public and Private Markets.
• Ability and willingness to deliver pragmatic and proportionate Compliance advice.
• Experience of identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with senior management (executive and non-executive).
• Ability and willingness to assist with the management of relationships with regulators.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; relevant professional qualification (Accounting/Legal) or industry qualification (such as CISI).

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

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 by contacting resourcing@uss.co.uk.