The Operational Due Diligence (ODD) team plays an important role in protecting OMERS from financial losses and reputational risks that can arise due to operational failures at external manager firms and/or service providers where OMERS allocates its investments. As a division of OMERS Investment Finance & Operations (IFO), the ODD team performs due diligence reviews regularly on external managers at all stages of investment, such as onboarding, ongoing, and exit. 

To support OMERS' growth initiatives, we are looking for a Manager, Operational Due Diligence to join our team. In this role, you will be involved in desk reviews of ODD materials, conduct virtual and on-site interviews with external managers, assess key risks associated with the operating environment at the external managers, and furnishing ODD reports which follow the established standards and procedures. Success in this role requires someone who is risk-conscious, operationally savvy, and constantly ready to take on challenges.

You will be responsible for:

• Driving end-to-end Operational Due Diligence (ODD) projects for new and ongoing investments, including preparing materials, coordinating on-site visits or virtual interviews, and operationalizing funds.

• Analyzing fund documentation (financials, offering documents, SOC reports) to identify, assess, and report on operational risks per the OMERS ODD Framework.

• Serving as the primary liaison to external managers, ensuring timely receipt of diligence materials and fostering strong relationships.

• Fostering effective working relationships with internal teams and key stakeholders in the investment division.

• Owning the complete ODD lifecycle, ensuring all data is collected, deliverables are accurate, and deadlines are met.

• Maintaining expertise in OMERS investment policies and frameworks, applying them to ODD activities and helping enhance internal desk procedures.

• Monitoring industry trends, news, and regulatory developments to assess the risk profile of current and potential OMERS investment partners.

• Maintaining a deep understanding of complex alternative investment products and strategies to provide insightful analysis and resolve emergent issues.

• Enhancing the operational due diligence process and contribute to ad hoc projects, including utilizing AI or other tools for advanced analytics.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Post-secondary education in finance, business, risk or other applicable disciplines.

• Experience from buy-side or consulting firms specializing in operational due diligence and assessing operational risks.

• Strong, comprehensive investment knowledge on alternatives and fund industry.  

• Demonstrated aptitude for quantitative and qualitative analysis and problem solving.

• Exposure to private markets.

• Demonstrated ability to independently carry out operational due diligence projects and deliver quality assessments that contribute to the deal review process.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential to deal with all levels within the organization and external contacts.  Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Detail oriented and able to prioritize multiple responsibilities to meet deadlines.

• The role will involve travel to global offices. The manager must be flexible with their schedule to work at different time zone and hours, and enable travel when required.  

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Prior experience in investment accounting, SOC report preparation or reviews, and internal or client-facing audit practices is an asset.

• Proficiency in MS Office and AI tools.

• Knowledge in system infrastructure, cybersecurity and system development.

• Relevant industry courses will be an asset.

• Working towards or having acquired a professional designation including CPA, CFA and/or CAIA.  

• Ability to work independently as well as a team with minimal supervision.