Alternative Operations Associate

USS Investment Management Limited; 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 £25bn+ alternative assets. Collaborate with deal teams to ensure operational readiness and smooth implementation of investment deals. This role offers opportunities for personal development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave package

Access to a high-quality pension scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Financial contributions towards personal development

Private healthcare

Discounted gym memberships

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 for existing mandates.
• Deliver accurate reporting and maintain relationships with third-party providers.

Skills

Problem Solving

Initiative

Education

Accounting Qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

When you join USS, the size and scale of our pension scheme mean 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

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). You will work closely with operational support teams to onboard complex investment deals/structures and facilitate their integration into USS’s operational environment.

The role offers exposure to 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, formed in 2020 to oversee the operational processes of USS’s £25bn+ Alternative Assets.

What you will be doing

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

About you

We understand that applicants may not meet every listed requirement. If you're excited about working with us and possess most of the skills or experience outlined, we encourage you to apply.

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 the ability to think independently.
• Flexibility and the 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 aim to create a work environment where everyone can thrive professionally and make a meaningful impact.

We are committed to supporting your career development through various opportunities and a proactive management team.

Enjoy working in a friendly team with a 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 sick pay and family-friendly leave
• Financial contributions towards personal development and wellbeing
• Health and wellbeing services, including private healthcare and discounted gym memberships
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee Volunteer Days
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Our culture and values

Our people are what make us different. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture that embraces individuality, where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. Our purpose emphasizes putting members ‘front and centre’ in all we do, guided by our core value:

• Integrity

About us

Founded in 1974, Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is the primary pension scheme for UK universities and higher education institutions. We work with around 330 employers to secure the futures of over 528,000 members and their families. With total assets of approximately £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. We strive to make our recruitment process inclusive and flexible to attract diverse talent. If you require reasonable adjustments or support during your application, please contact [e-mail].