Managing Associate - Hedge Funds

Simmons & Simmons; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal advisory firm in the UK is hiring a Managing Associate focused on hedge fund formation. This role involves significant responsibilities, including working with institutional managers and engaging in IMA/SMA negotiations. Ideal candidates will have 5-10 years of post-qualification experience, particularly in hedge fund formation, and a strong academic background. This position offers competitive compensation, a hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Global skills academy

Vibrant social and sports committees

Qualifications

• 5–10 years post-qualification experience at a leading City practice.
• Background in hedge fund formation, particularly in offshore domiciles.
• Willingness to engage in marketing and business development.

Responsibilities

• Split time across open-ended hedge fund work and hedge fund formation.
• Involve in IMA/SMA negotiation work for institutional managers.
• Develop expertise in a tier-1 practice and work with a first-class client base.

Skills

Strong knowledge of AIFMD

Strong client focus

Commercial acumen

Team collaboration

Education

Excellent academics

Job description

We are a market-leading adviser on fund formation, supporting clients across the full spectrum of fund types, asset classes, and jurisdictions. With decades of experience in the funds industry, we are trusted advisors to fund managers, institutional investors, and service providers globally. Our expertise spans a wide range of fund types, including hedge funds, private funds, regulated funds, and bespoke structures, as well as diverse asset classes such as credit, private equity, infrastructure, and real estate. Our fund formation team advises on the full lifecycle of investment funds, from initial structuring and regulatory compliance to ongoing management and restructuring. We act for a wide range of clients, including institutional and independent managers, platform providers, boutiques, and debut teams. We advise on:

• Fund Structuring and Launch: Establishing private equity, credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital, and hedge funds across multiple jurisdictions, including Cayman, Luxembourg, Ireland, and the UK.
• Regulatory and Tax Advice: Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and tax considerations, including AIFMD, MiFID II, and cross-border marketing regimes.
• Fund Finance: Advising on subscription credit facilities, NAV facilities, and other financing arrangements to support capital deployment.
• Operational Setup: Drafting and negotiating fund documentation, including LPAs, IMAs, side letters, and service provider agreements.
• Strategic Structuring: Supporting bespoke structures such as funds‑of‑one, parallel vehicles, and joint ventures tailored to investor needs.
• Global Fund Registrations: Delivering end‑to‑end compliance solutions for cross‑border registration and marketing of UCITS and AIFs, with tailored support across jurisdictions and proactive guidance on regulatory change.

Managing Associate – Hedge Funds

The successful candidate will split their time across open‑ended hedge fund work with a focus on hedge fund formation. The role may also involve IMA/SMA negotiation work for institutional managers. A strong knowledge of AIFMD, MiFID II and other sectoral regulation is required. The ideal candidate will have 5‑10 years post‑qualification experience, with a background in hedge fund formation, particularly in offshore domiciles or in Ireland or Luxembourg. The role offers an opportunity to develop expertise in a tier‑1 practice and work with a first‑class client base.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5 – 10 years post‑qualification experience gained at a leading City practice or in‑house legal team at a top‑tier hedge fund or asset manager.
• Excellent academics.
• Strong client focus with an ability and willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development.
• Commercially driven and highly energetic, with strong motivation to develop the practice over the long term.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

MA Development Programme

The programme is structured around three core leadership capabilities essential for future Partners: client relationship development and management; people management; commercial & business acumen.

• Client Relationship Development and Management: Growing trusted advisor relationships with clients and building your business plan for partner promotion.
• People Management: Leading teams and developing talent.
• Commercial & Business Acumen: Demonstrating strategic thinking and commercial awareness.

Participants progress through four key stages:

1. Transitioning into the MA role: Understanding the expectations at MA level with respect to clients, people and commercial and starting to meet some of those expectations.
2. Alignment with Programme Clients & Group Projects: Deepening commercial and strategic skills through client alignment and collaborative group projects addressing real business challenges.
3. Business Plan Development: Fine‑tuning individual business plans with sponsor support, focusing on financial metrics and readiness for partner promotion.
4. Delivering on Business Plan & Implementing Feedback: Acting on feedback from senior stakeholders and assessment centre, enhancing internal profile and demonstrating readiness for partnership.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in‑office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.

Diversity & Inclusion

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.