Investment Manager

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 exciting 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 colleagues, external investment managers and advisers. Our dynamic and engaged Trustee Board actively listens to and trusts our insight, giving you the chance to contribute 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.

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 help manage the investment arrangements of the DB pension scheme, with assets of c.£11bn including significant illiquid assets and £3.8bn of buy-in policies.

• The principal purpose is to support the CIO in managing the development and implementation of the Scheme’s investment strategy on behalf of the Trustee, taking ownership of projects, implementing the strategy and undertaking analysis to provide evidence to support effective decision-making.
• It includes the monitoring and review of the Scheme’s investment managers across traditional and alternative asset classes and working with the Scheme’s investment advisers to identify improvements to the strategy and the investment management arrangements in line with the strategic objectives of the Trustee and the Statement of Investment Principles.
• A significant aspect of the role will be focused on developing the Scheme’s capacity and capability to effectively manage Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and opportunities across the investment strategy and in respect of the wider Scheme governance model.
• The role also contributes to the overall objectives and responsibilities of the Trustee Executive Team and undertaking project activity as required.

Key skills

• Experience in Institutional investment, ideally in a multi-asset environment and with experience of working for an asset-owner (pension scheme, endowment, family office etc) or investment consultant
• Good understanding of key investment asset classes including alternative assets in public and private markets. Understanding of different investment management structures including segregated mandates, pooled funds (open-ended and close-ended) and LP structures
• Experience in LDI and Insurance type assets would be desirable
• Knowledge of Investment Performance measurement and attribution, ESG and Transaction Cost reporting
• Broad understanding of how ESG factors can be integrated into an investment strategy and of TCFD reporting
• Desire to develop career within an in-house pension team
• Broad understanding of Defined Benefit Pension Scheme Funding, Pensions Governance and the role of the Trustee Board in managing the investment arrangements of a Pension Scheme
• Ability to present ideas and reports to Trustee Board and Committees
• Intellectual curiosity and desire to develop professional skills and experience
• Outstanding planner with excellent time management
• Ability to handle ambiguity
• Ability to initiate and build relationships
• Proactive approach to identifying and driving improvements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint crucial. Experience of Office 365, including One Drive would be beneficial.

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.