Alternative Operations Associate

Universities Superannuation Scheme Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading pension scheme as an Alternative Operations Associate, contributing to the management of alternative assets. Collaborate with a dynamic team to support operational processes and ensure smooth implementation of investment deals. This role offers opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

High-quality pension scheme

Enhanced sickness pay

Family-friendly benefits

Financial contributions towards personal development

Access to health and wellbeing services

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Volunteer Days

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• 1-3 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience within an alternatives manager is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support deal teams on new private market business.
• Manage asset setup, funding, and reconciliations.
• Deliver accurate reporting and maintain relationships with third-party providers.

Skills

Problem Solving

Initiative

Independent Thinking

Education

Accounting Qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

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 an Alternative Operations Associate, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset.

This role provides a great opportunity to support both existing assets and new deals, originated by the Private Markets Group (PMG), working closely with other operational support teams to onboard complex investment deals/structures and facilitate their integration into USS’s operational environment.

The role offers exposure to our end-to-end processes supporting both existing and new alternative assets, working closely with the front office team and other support areas.

The Operations Department is organized into two teams: Public Markets & Alternative Operations.

This role is within the Alternative Operations Team, established in 2020 to oversee USS’s £25bn+ Alternative Asset operational processes.

What you will be doing

• Support deal teams on new private market business, ensuring operational readiness and smooth implementation.
• Manage asset setup, funding, and reconciliations for existing mandates.
• Coordinate with internal teams and third parties to meet deal and service requirements.
• Deliver accurate reporting, including events, operations data, and oversight materials.
• Maintain strong relationships with Aztec, JPM, and other third-party providers.
• Seek training to improve skills and increase personal performance.
• Build effective internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive scalable solutions.

About you

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying if they don't meet every requirement. If you're excited about working with us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please apply regardless.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• An accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 1-3 years post-qualification experience.
• Deal implementation experience focusing on operational and finance components.
• Experience within an alternatives manager is desirable.
• Knowledge of private market asset classes (property, private equity, private credit).
• A proven track record in initiative and project delivery.
• Strong problem-solving skills with independent thinking.
• Flexibility and ability to re-prioritize tasks as needed.

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.

We are committed to supporting your career development through opportunities for growth and recognition, with 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 benefits!

How we will reward you

• Generous annual leave package.
• Access to a high-quality pension scheme through USS.
• Supportive policies, including enhanced sickness pay and family-friendly benefits.
• Financial contributions towards personal development and wellbeing.
• Access to health and wellbeing services, including private healthcare and discounted gym memberships.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Volunteer Days to support communities.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Our culture and values

Our people are what make us different. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves. Our purpose emphasizes putting members 'front and centre' of our work, guided by our core values including integrity.

About us

Founded in 1974, USS is the principal pension scheme for UK universities and higher education institutions, working with around 330 employers to secure the futures of over 528,000 members and their families. With assets around £75.5bn as of 31 March 2023, we are one of the UK's largest pension schemes. For more information, visit https://www.uss.co.uk.

USSIM is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We strive to make our recruitment process accessible and supportive. If you require reasonable adjustments or assistance, please contact [e-mail].