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- Tasks: Join our Portfolio Strategy team to analyse asset allocation and improve key financial models.
- Company: USS is a leading pension scheme supporting over 528,000 members in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a high-quality pension, wellness services, and flexible working culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Familiarity with investment theory, quantitative methods, and advanced IT skills are essential.
- Other info: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and support individual career paths.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Business Area: ISA – Investment Strategy & Advice
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 Senior Investment Strategy Associate you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to join our portfolio strategy team. The Portfolio Strategy team provides research, analysis and recommendations on asset allocation, including expected returns and portfolio construction. This role primarily supports the team in taking responsibility for running, maintaining and improving key models used within the Portfolio Strategy team including the expected return model.
What you will be doing
- Develop a strong understanding of approaches to forecasting long-term returns with a view to enhancing USSIM proprietary methodology
- Improve the quality and robustness of USSIM tools for constructing long-term expected returns and analysis
- Conduct scenario analysis and stress-testing of return assumptions to capture uncertainty over model inputs and the implications of specific scenarios
- Carry out research projects on strategic and cyclical aspects of asset classes and asset allocation investment strategies
- Support the Investment Strategist with portfolio construction analysis
- Deliver and present well-prepared input to internal USSIM and USS stakeholders outlining research findings and investment implications
- Work with the ALM function in Risk to fully integrate long-term expected returns with ALM analysis, stochastic modelling and portfolio construction
- Maintain and improve the data used for analytics within Portfolio Strategy
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:
- Familiarity with macroeconomics, investment theory and characteristics of broad asset classes
- Good understanding of quantitative methods (statistics, econometrics, etc.) and practical applications
- Some experience in an investment role
- Understanding of modelling of asset returns and portfolios
- Ability to communicate effectively in both written papers and in presentations
- Advanced IT and programming skills (especially Excel, VBA, Python and Matlab)
- Attention to detail with the ability to identify and solve problems
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
- 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.
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).
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.
Investment Strategy Associate employer: USS Investment Management Limited
Contact Detail:
USS Investment Management Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Strategy Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in macroeconomics and investment theory. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your quantitative skills, especially in statistics and econometrics. Being able to demonstrate your practical application of these methods can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with asset return modelling and portfolio construction. Having specific examples ready will show your understanding and capability in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your presentation skills, as effective communication is key for this role. Be ready to explain complex concepts clearly, as you'll need to present findings to stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Strategy Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Investment Strategy Associate position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as familiarity with macroeconomics and quantitative methods.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any experience in investment roles, modelling asset returns, and your proficiency in programming languages like Python and Excel.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to conduct research and analysis, as well as your attention to detail.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-organised and clearly formatted to make a strong impression.
How to prepare for a job interview at USS Investment Management Limited
✨Showcase Your Quantitative Skills
Make sure to highlight your understanding of quantitative methods, especially statistics and econometrics. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects, as this is crucial for the Investment Strategy Associate position.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Asset Classes
Familiarise yourself with the characteristics of various asset classes and investment theories. During the interview, be ready to discuss how different asset classes behave under various economic conditions and how that impacts portfolio construction.
✨Prepare for Scenario Analysis Questions
Expect questions related to scenario analysis and stress-testing of return assumptions. Think about past experiences where you conducted similar analyses and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Since effective communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to present your research findings succinctly, as you may need to deliver well-prepared input to stakeholders during the interview.
