Junior Investment Analyst, Private Equity/Debt

LGPS Central Limited is an FCA regulated fund management company, managing the pooled assets of nine Midlands-based local government pension funds.

Since its launch in April 2018, LGPS Central Limited has become responsible for around £40bn of these assets. The volume of assets under management is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years as, in partnership with our Partner Funds, new Sub-Funds are developed and launched into which Partner Funds' assets will transition. A range of further Sub-Fund launches are planned for this financial year across a range of asset classes.

LGPS Central Limited is owned equally by eight pension funds and is dedicated to the management of local government pension assets. The aim of the Company is to use the combined buying power of its Partner Funds to reduce costs, improve investment returns and widen the range of available asset classes for investment - all for the benefit of local government pensioners, employees and employers. We are also committed to fully integrating Responsible Investment and Engagement into all our investment processes.

The management of Local Government Pension Scheme funds is going through significant change, providing career-changing opportunities for those who have the relevant investment experience and who want to work within a company which values integrity, trust, transparency, diversity, fairness and partnership. LGPS Central Limited aims to be a centre of excellence and we seek candidates who share our values to help us achieve that goal.

Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.

We are a diverse and inclusive employer and welcome interest from all sections of the community.

The Role

LGPS Central Limited is now seeking to recruit a Junior Investment Analyst to be based either in the Wolverhampton or Matlock offices of LGPS Central Limited.

We are looking for a junior analyst to join our Private Markets team working on Private Equity/Debt based in Wolverhampton. The successful candidate will work closely with the Private Equity team (as well as the broader Private Markets team) to deliver high quality fund and direct investments.

The role will involve assisting the Private Equity team with originating, analysing, performing due diligence and monitoring investments.

The Private Equity team plays a key role in helping Partner Funds meet their strategic investment allocation aims as well as their return targets. The role is challenging and rewarding and requires a competent, analytical, self-starter who can effectively support the team deliver these objectives.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree level qualification and/or a relevant industry qualification with knowledge of financial analysis of private equity/debt investments. You will be expected to continuously update your learning and knowledge in post.

If you are interested in applying for this position please send your C.V. with a covering letter, highlighting your key strengths and experience and why you possess the requisite skills to perform this role to: recruitment@lgpscentral.co.uk.

The closing date for this role is Monday 31st August 2020.

If you would like to discuss the role, please e-mail to the address above.

Role

Role Overview

Based in the Midlands (Wolverhampton or Matlock). The successful candidate will work closely with the Private Equity team to deliver high quality Private Equity/Debt Fund and Direct Investments.

We offer Junior Investment Analysts excellent prospects for professional development supported by the Company, and career progression within the Investment Team.

Non-Financial:

• Health and Safety
• Performance management and reporting

Reports to:

• Head of Private Markets

Relationships - Internal:

• Executive Directors, Board, Non-Executive Directors, Heads of Service, Investment Analysts, Portfolio Managers, Senior Portfolio Managers, Investment Directors and other LGPSC staff

Relationships - External:

• Partner funds, service providers, fund managers and other LGPS Pool entities

Job Specification

Core Specification:

• Support the Private Equity team in meeting the investment targets of the LGPS Central Private Equity/Debt Funds.
• Assist the Private Equity team to implement the strategy and investment process of the Private Equity/Debt Funds and in providing assurance that investments are managed within the parameters set in the Prospectus, any Investment Management Agreements and Corporate policies.
• Assist in originating, analysing and recommending investments, documenting the rationale for making investments and monitoring them once selected.
• Assist in the carrying out of financial, legal, and commercial due diligence on target investments, at the request of the Private Equity team.
• Become familiar with and follow the manager selection, appointment, monitoring, reporting, retender and transition framework (the "Manager of Managers Process"), in supporting the Private Equity team for externally managed Private Equity/Debt Fund investments.
• Assist in the integration and maintenance of the house view on Responsible Investment and the Risk and Compliance Framework into the investment process used in Private Equity/Debt investments.
• Contribute to investment team meetings.
• Promote LGPS Central within the investment community and Partner Funds.
• Embrace a culture of high performing, collaborative, research based and responsible investing across LGPS Central.

Candidate Specification

Skills/Knowledge/Experience/Competence:

• Knowledge of investment/financial analysis within Private Markets, especially Private Equity/Debt, preferably gained with an asset manager or other financial institution.
• Knowledge of the private equity/debt investment landscape and understanding of the inherent risk-reward relationship
• Motivated to assist client funds in achieving their return targets.
• Highly organised and motivated self-starter.
• High degree of professional ethics, integrity and gravitas.
• Excellent judgement and analytical skills.
• First class interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills.

Qualifications:

• Relevant degree.
• A-Level mathematics with statistics an advantage.
• Working towards IMC, CFA qualification or similar/ or relevant investment experience would be a plus.

Values and Behaviours

Values:

• Integrity
• Service
• Supportive Workplace
• Togetherness
• Outward Focus

Behaviours:

• Open, fair and transparent
• Honest and trustworthy
• Empowered in making right decisions
• Accountability for results and delivery
• Aspire towards partner fund expectations
• Fair treatment of staff
• Challenge status quo appropriately and work collaboratively
• New thinking and continuous improvement
• Centre of excellence

LGPS Central Limited provides an exciting, supportive and family-friendly working environment, and we are committed to helping our people achieve their full potential and a healthy work-life balance. We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual's age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.