At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment strategies and manage a diverse portfolio in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join USS, a leading pension scheme with a vibrant culture and flexible working options.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and support for personal development.
- Other info: Thrive in a diverse, inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial futures while collaborating with industry experts.
- Qualifications: Extensive M&A experience in infrastructure and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
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 Investment Director, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to assist in the strategy and origination and lead execution of investments and divestments for Direct Equity with £3bn+ to deploy across 10-12 investments in the next two to three years and support ongoing portfolio management of the Direct Equity portfolio. The Direct Equity team consists of c.30 professionals managing approximately £8bn across a range of infrastructure strategies, from core to opportunistic infrastructure. The team is responsible for the strategy, origination and execution of new direct investments, divestments, and portfolio company management. The team has a global mandate, focusing on UK, Europe and N. America infrastructure opportunities with a plan to invest in equity securities that provide an attractive risk adjusted return for USS members. The portfolio includes ownership of UK private companies including Moto, NATS, Dukes Education, Westerleigh and, through its holdings, is an established presence in the UK renewables sector. We also hold control positions in several EU, North American and Australian businesses with exposure across different industries and sectors.
The Private Markets Group (PMG) consists of a 80+ 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.
- Lead and support making investment recommendations to the Head of Direct Equity, Direct Equity team and Private Markets Investment Committee (PMIC)
- Lead execution of investments for Direct Equity strategies
- Manage relationships with advisors, investment banks, investors and management teams for the benefit of Direct Equity strategies and Private Markets Group (PMG)
- Support origination of opportunities and recommend investment themes and lead roadmap execution
- Contribute to cross PMG sourcing and execution and more broadly to Private Markets investment idea generation which fit with USS’ strategic priorities
- Manage and oversee (as appropriate) the transaction execution process with key service providers, including legal, commercial & financial due diligence and tax advisers
- Oversee post transaction monitoring including reviewing performance, analysis, reporting and portfolio company value creation plan initiatives
- Represent USS on portfolio company boards as well as within industry including attendance and presenting at conferences and proactively promoting PMG’s investment strategies
- Support or recommend (as appropriate) potential divestments and oversee or lead marketing and execution of Direct Equity divestments
- Proactively participate in operational aspects of PMG, recommending productivity or efficiency opportunities including the use of Ai, changes in process, procedures or structure
- Provide coaching and support to junior members of the team given our focus on developing junior talent within PMG. Line management responsibilities
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:
- Alignment with Private Markets Group values and behaviours (THRIVE)
- Extensive experience of M&A in infrastructure sectors, particularly in UK & Europe
- Strong track record of managing and executing M&A processes (both acquisitions and disposals)
- An exceptional understanding or experience in principal investing
- Extensive network within the infrastructure community
- A strong understanding or experience of participating in the governance of portfolio companies
- Additional language skills are beneficial
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 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 pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
Investment Director 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.
Contact Details:
USS Investment Management Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, seminars, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on investment strategies and market trends. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand USS’s portfolio and recent investments. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will make you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the USS team!
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about joining us and how you align with our values. A personal touch can make all the difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Investment Director role. Highlight relevant experience in M&A and infrastructure sectors, and don’t forget to showcase your network within the industry. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at USS!
How to prepare for a job interview at USS Investment Management Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Investment Director, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics and investment performance. Brush up on key figures related to M&A processes, especially in the infrastructure sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed investments or executed transactions.
✨Showcase Your Network
Your connections within the infrastructure community can be a significant asset. Prepare to talk about your relationships with advisors, investment banks, and management teams. Highlight how these connections have helped you in previous roles and how they could benefit the team at USS.
✨Align with Our Values
At USS, we value integrity, collaboration, and excellence. Make sure to weave these values into your responses during the interview. Share experiences that reflect these principles, particularly in how you've worked with teams or handled challenges in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential investment themes or divestment strategies you might recommend for USS. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
