Sustainable Investment & Governance Analyst

An excellent opportunity has arisen to be part of the Executive Team that supports the Trustee of the M&S Pension Scheme. As one of the UK’s largest Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, with assets of c.£11bn and 106,000 members, it’s well-funded and well-respected in the industry. As a team and Trustee, we’re committed to delivering the best outcome for members in a secure and sustainable way.

It's an interesting time to join us, as we support the Trustee through increased regulation and continue to drive the long-term evolution of the Scheme. You’ll have significant exposure to a variety of projects and different asset classes, working with senior stakeholders, external investment managers and advisers. Our dynamic and engaged Trustee Board actively listens to and trusts our insight, giving you the chance to add value and make a real difference.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s ensuring long-term growth of the Scheme’s investments, pushing the Trustee’s ESG agenda or taking a digital-first approach to member communications. We know we need to play a part in not only securing members pensions but protecting the world we live in too. The Scheme’s sponsor, M&S is determined to play a leading role in sustainability in the years ahead and through Plan A 2025 will help build a sustainable future by helping customers live healthier lives, supporting the communities they live in and M&S sources from and looking after the planet we all share.

We’re open and honest, recognise achievements and provide regular feedback. As a small but experienced team, there are plenty of opportunities for learning and development both internally and externally.

Purpose of the role

This role will support the management of the Scheme’s investment arrangements, with assets of c.£11bn including significant illiquid assets and £3.8bn of buy-in policies.

• The principal purpose of the role is to provide ongoing support to the Investments Manager and Investment Operations Manager with data collection, analysis, and executive support for ongoing management of the Scheme’s investments, and to provide support to the Investment Management Committee and the Investment Committee. This includes regular reporting for the Scheme’s investments, maintaining the Scheme’s investment risk registers, and assisting with changes in investment manager arrangements
• A central focus of this role will provide integral support to implementing the strategic decisions made by the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Committee, reporting directly to the Chair of the ESG Committee. The role will have key responsibility for gathering evidence and providing analysis to support decision-making, monitoring ongoing changes, taking ownership of regulatory reporting requirements, and maintaining membership of key industry initiatives
• The role also contributes to the overall objectives and responsibilities of the Trustee Executive Team and undertaking governance and project activity as required

Key skills

• Numerate graduate with relevant degree qualification
• Demonstrable interest in sustainability and management of ESG risks in a pension scheme
• Understanding of Trust based pension governance and the role of Trustee, Sponsoring Employer and the Pensions Regulator
• Basic understanding of key investment asset classes including alternative assets in public and private markets.
• Good analytical skills and attention to detail
• Good numeracy skills and verbal reasoning
• Outstanding planner with excellent time management
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to develop professional skills and experience
• Ability to manage ambiguity
• Ability to initiate and build relationships.
• Experienced in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

We’re committed to an active Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunities Policy, which starts with our recruitment and selection process, and we are happy to talk smart/flexible working.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. If you consider yourself to have a disability or learning difficulty which means you are unable to complete the application process online, please get in touch either by phone on 0345 300 3725 or by email recruitment.online@marksandspencer.com so we can make alternative arrangements for you.