Investment Control Analyst - Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited - #2090842

Investment Control Analyst

Business Area: Investment Product Management

Location: London

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract – 6 months

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 will have real autonomy and influence as you collaborate closely with a wide-ranging team of experts.

About the role

In your role as Investment Control Analyst, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to work closely with the investment desks, Responsible Investment team, Financial Risk team, Bloomberg team, Compliance team, and the Operations team.

This is a role within the Investment Product Management (IPM) team, with a focus on investment control and oversight. The team provides the “voice of the client” within USSIM (the wholly owned investment manager and advisor of USS, the pension trustee company). The team is a central function responsible for the oversight and governance of our investment mandates and execution.

What you will be doing

As a trusted part of the Investment Product Management team, you will be responsible for:

A key part of the role is working with teams across USSIM to ensure there is an appropriate balance between investment guidelines and oversight for the investment mandates, and that monitoring controls in place are well designed and effective. This includes:

1. Working with a virtual team across investment desks, Financial Risk, Execution, Compliance, Investment Operations, and Legal to design appropriate mandate guidelines and ensure monitoring controls (including Bloomberg coding) are fit for purpose
2. Overseeing daily monitoring of Bloomberg rules and working with members of the IPM, Financial Risk, and Bloomberg teams on issues raised against controls (including Bloomberg coding) relating to mandate guidelines, as well as assisting with investigation and resolution of incidents
3. Driving continuous improvement and enhancement of policies, procedures, and robust governance processes
4. Monitoring and supporting USSIM processes in relation to oversight and responding to issues
5. Working with other members of the IPM team to understand future developments and business requirements
6. Taking a proactive approach to work, identifying and implementing improvements that increase team efficiency
7. Supporting the Execution and Research Committee and the Managers & Mandates Committee to help ensure committee effectiveness
8. Supporting oversight of all aspects of Best Execution reporting and monitoring
9. Overseeing trade overrides and amendments
10. Overseeing breaches and waivers
11. Ensuring the rules repository is up to date
12. Supporting the production and implementation of USS scheme-wide investment exclusions
13. Overseeing costs and charges across internal and external mandates

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:

1. Good technical investment knowledge, with a good understanding of markets and regulatory environments
2. The ability to see the bigger picture and deliver high-quality work under constrained timelines
3. A self-starter mindset, with the ability to identify new projects and opportunities
4. Strong attention to detail, particularly when reviewing documents and analysis
5. Pragmatism – the ability to focus on key factors, variables, and narratives as appropriate
6. A proactive, enthusiastic approach, with the confidence to challenge where needed
7. A keen interest in staying up to date with developments and legislation affecting the UK pensions industry
8. Strong stakeholder focus, with the ability to understand the relationships between USSIM, the pension scheme, members, and wider stakeholders
9. Experience with the Bloomberg Terminal, particularly VMGR and CMGR modules

Desirable:

1. A financial qualification such as IMC or CFA, or a finance-related bachelor’s degree
2. Knowledge of financial instruments, including equities, fixed income, and derivatives

Why join us?

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

- Great starting salary

- 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 Day’s to support the communities where you work and live

- Cycle to Work Scheme