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The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has circa 396,000 members, and over £60 billion in assets, we’re one of the largest private pension schemes in the UK and in the top 50 worldwide.
Established in 1974, we’re entrusted by over 350 higher education sector employers to manage and administer the pension scheme and its investments through our two companies, Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited and USS Investment Management Limited.
About us
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 “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, 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.
Working with Higher Education employers to build a secure financial future for our members and their families.
The role
The role encompasses a range of activities that are designed to support the day-to-day running of transactions and asset management projects across the three equity teams within PMG.
The successful candidate will support a pool of people working at all levels within the equity teams and closely with the deal teams. Given the exposure to the investment and asset management side of PMG, the successful candidate could potentially progress to an Analyst role in the team; equally given the business and administrative focus, the successful candidate could also potentially progress to a Business Management function within PMG.
Key responsibilities
- As part of the direct equity, private equity funds and direct equity asset management team, working across the teams, your responsibilities will include:
- Managing deal budgets and liaising with internal stakeholders on budget forecasting;
- Onboarding of new joiners to the direct equity, private equity funds and direct equity asset management team
- Helping to manage transaction reporting and MI capture within PMG’s DealCloud CRM system;
- Liaising with the Alternative Operations team on new transactions and coordinating deal kick-off meetings for internal stakeholders;
- Attending, supporting and coordinating PMG equity meetings (e.g. Portfolio Review Committee's) and Private Markets Investment Committee, materials and minutes;
- Raising purchase orders in relation to spend within the team;
- Acting as a Risk Champion in reporting operational risk events and helping to resolve events to a satisfactory outcome;
- In addition to these core responsibilities, where practical, the successful candidate will also have some exposure to the following activities:
- Contributing and supporting origination activities across themes and sectors with targeted research and analysis;
- Liaising with potential targets and monitoring existing investee companies and investment managers;
- Supporting preparation for meetings with management teams and key stakeholders;
- Investment due diligence (quantitative modelling and qualitative analysis of investment and divestment opportunities including preparation and review of due diligence, structuring and valuation and returns analysis);
- Supporting PE Funds and Direct Equity Asset Management activity
Your experience
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent
- Likely to have post-graduation experience in a Middle Office, Operations or Business Management role, ideally in an investment or advisory context (investment management, investment banking, corporate finance, accounting, ratings agency, law or consulting)
- Prior exposure to infrastructure and/or private equity advantageous but not essential
- Critical thinker with strong analytical and numerical skills
- Strong Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint skills
- A strong team player contributing to a supportive and collaborative working environment
- Good work ethic and a self-starter who wants to learn and develop
- Ability to work in the UK
USSIM is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We recognise the diverse lifestyles and priorities of our employees and have reflected this in in the company’s Flexible Working Framework, which, wherever possible, supports employees to find a balance that works for them whilst ensuring we always put our members’ interests first.
