Universities Superannuation Scheme (Ltd)
ODD Senior Associate
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
ODD Senior Associate
Place of Work: London Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
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 ODD Senior Associate, you will make a meaningful and valued contribution from the outset. This role will provide a great opportunity to:
- Conduct operational due diligence reviews of externally managed funds and service providers.
- Conduct enhanced due diligence (i.e., background checks) and AML/KYC checks on private markets transactions.
- Conduct executing broker due diligence checks.
What You Will Be Doing
As a trusted part of the Operations team, you will be responsible for the following:
Delivery
- Lead operational due diligence reviews of prospective and existing externally managed investments (both public and private, across a range of structures and asset types) and service providers, including:
- On-site visits with a colleague
- Interviewing managers
- Performing background checks
- Conduct AML/KYC checks on private markets transactions
- Conduct executing broker due diligence reviews
- Prepare operational due diligence reports
- Assist with team planning, pipeline management, and scheduling meetings
- Assist with preparing management information for relevant stakeholders
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with USS colleagues, exercising influential skills
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including deal teams, legal, and compliance
Development
- Develop and maintain a good understanding of operational risk, including operational controls and areas of potential weakness, as well as the operational implications of new developments in alternative investments and compliance issues
- Seek training opportunities to enhance skills
- Engage in periodic interaction with relevant internal subject matter experts
- Be involved in the continual improvement and development of the operational due diligence process
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
We’re looking for someone excited about working for USS, even if you don’t tick every box.
Minimum requirements:
- A background in a similar role and the ability to assess and mitigate operational risks
- Experience within operational due diligence and knowledge of investment structures
- Thorough understanding of the trade life cycle and key risks associated at each stage
- Familiarity with the financial services’ regulatory environment
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to build strong relationships
- Empathetic interviewing skills
- Ability to work within a small team and, when required, independently research and produce a well-supported opinion
- Ability to manage multiple workstreams and effectively prioritise competing demands
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Professional or higher degree qualifications (e.g., CFA, CAIA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA), or progress toward a risk management, legal, accounting, or auditing qualification
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 others.
Opportunities for Growth
- Support in building your career through dedicated learning and development opportunities.
- Tailored career path guidance through an engaged and proactive management team.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits
- Friendly team and flexible culture
- Great starting salary
- Generous annual leave package
- Access to a high-quality pension scheme through Universities Superannuation Scheme
- Supportive people policies, including:
- Enhanced occupational sickness pay
- Family-friendly policies
- Financial contributions towards personal development, supporting physical and mental wellbeing
- Access to health and wellbeing services:
- Private healthcare
- Discounted gym membership
- Employee Volunteer Days
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Our Culture and Values
Our people drive our unique culture, which embraces diversity and inclusivity. Everyone is encouraged to be themselves so that they can thrive. Our purpose is rooted in placing members at the centre of all we do, guided by our three core values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
About Us
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was established in 1974 as the principal pension scheme for universities and other higher education institutions in the UK. We collaborate with approximately 330 employers to secure a financial future for nearly 577,000 members and their families. USS stands as one of the largest private defined benefit pension schemes in the UK, with total assets of around £76.8bn (at 31 March 2025).
Learn more at https://www.uss.co.uk.
USSIM remains committed to being an equal opportunity employer, ensuring our recruitment process is as flexible and inclusive as possible. We welcome all candidates, and we aim to provide the support and adjustments necessary for you to perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or need assistance, please contact resourcing@uss.co.uk.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location