Senior Associate, Strategic Partnerships

Senior Associate, Strategic Partnership – Clients & Strategy 

About Us

IFM Investors is a global asset manager, founded and owned by pension funds, with capabilities in infrastructure equity and debt, private equity, private credit, real estate and listed equities. 

Our purpose is to invest, protect and grow the long-term retirement savings of working people. We believe healthy returns depend on healthy economic, environmental and social systems - and these are evolving on a scale never experienced before. To find opportunity, build value and meet the needs of future generations, you need scale, skill and expertise. That’s what IFM Investors has built up over 30 years.

With assets under management of approximately $267.6 AUD billion (at 31 March 2026), we prioritise the interests of over 849 institutional investors worldwide. IFM operates from 17 offices across Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.

For more information, visit ifminvestors.com.

The Opportunity

At IFM, you’re not just part of an investment company – but an invested one. We see the work we do as the chance to take sustainable, responsible steps forward for millions of people around the world.

So, we have made sure to create a workplace that’s inclusive, accountable and collaborative. Where you’re given the opportunities to make a meaningful contribution and grow your skills. All while feeling valued and supported for who you are and what you bring to the team.

Along with the chance to make a meaningful, positive difference from day one, we offer a competitive salary and generous leave entitlements. Our hybrid and flexible approach can vary by team and role, it is built around trust. We encourage our people to manage their work life rhythm in a way that works best for them and their teams.

Business Overview

Our Clients & Strategy team covers Business Development, Investor Relations, External Relations, Sustainable Investment and Brand, Marketing & Communications, including Internal Communications.

It is responsible for all communications to investor prospects, existing investors and their asset consultants, as well as a broad range of other stakeholders, including governments and media.

The Role

This role is designed to support decision‑making and execution across the Global Strategic Partnerships team. 

You will support IFM’s Global Strategic Partnerships (GCS) agenda through due diligence, market research, and the development of high‑quality internal materials on priority partners, target markets, and strategic initiatives.

The position is focused on analysis, preparation, and internal enablement, helping the team progress partnership discussions with clarity, consistency, and strategic depth. This role presents the opportunity over time to progress toward broader external engagement as the platform and individual develops. The role has a global remit, working closely with senior members of Clients & Strategy, investment teams, and leadership across regions.

Key Objectives

• Provide high‑quality analytical support to partnership discussions with sovereigns, pensions, insurers, asset managers, and strategic institutions globally
• Build a deep understanding of IFM’s platform, strategies, and comparative advantages across asset classes
• Enable senior team members to engage externally with well‑prepared, thoughtful, and credible materials

Partner Due Diligence & Strategic Analysis

• Conduct in‑depth due diligence on prospective and existing strategic partners, including: 

  • Business model, capital base, governance, and decision‑making structures

  • Strategic objectives, investment priorities, and constraints

  • Cultural fit, alignment potential, and long‑term partnership rationale

• Prepare structured briefing materials to support internal decision‑making and senior‑level discussions

• Maintain and evolve partner profiles and internal knowledge base over time

Market & Thematic Research

• Monitor global trends in: 

  • Institutional capital flows and partnership models

  • Sovereign wealth funds, pensions, insurers, and adjacent pools of capital

  • Competitive positioning of peer asset managers and platforms

• Produce market maps, landscape analyses, and thematic deep dives relevant to partnership strategy

• Support prioritization of regions, partner types, and strategic themes

Internal Materials & Team Enablement

• Prepare high‑quality internal materials, including: 

  • Background papers and briefing notes

  • Slide decks and talking points for senior meetings

  • Comparative analyses and decision frameworks

  • Market sizing and growth rates

• Support preparation for internal strategy discussions, IC‑adjacent conversations, and senior leadership updates

• Work closely with senior team members to translate strategy into clear, actionable materials

Cross‑Team Coordination

• Liaise with internal stakeholders across: 

  • Clients & Strategy, most regularly within Global Client Solutions

  • Clients & Strategy, Product Strategy & Innovation

  • Investment teams

  • Commercial, Finance, and Operations, Data & Technology

• Help ensure internal alignment and consistency of messaging across regions and asset classes

• Assist with coordination of global inputs into partnership‑related projects

• Help project plan, including assessment of key milestones, targets, dates of outreach, and ensure team is moving at correct and planned pace through projects

Process, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Support tracking of partnership activity, priorities, and outputs using internal tools and platforms
• Help improve internal processes, templates, and knowledge management related to strategic partnerships
• Ensure work is conducted in line with IFM policies, delegated authorities, and risk frameworks

Your Background and Experience

• Ideally 5-7 years’ experience in similar role, preferably with:
• Institutional investment firm (which offers traditional and alternative products)  or multi- asset managers
• Strategy consulting or implementation
• Institutional client strategy or adjacent analytical roles

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in finance, economics, commerce, business, or a related field

• CFA or progress toward CFA a plus, but not required

Business Knowledge

• Experience working with large, global institutional investors

• Proven track record of conducting Investment research, due diligence, or portfolio analysis

• Experience working as an AI‑native, using AI tools (like Claude or Co-Pilot)to drive smarter, faster outcomes highly preferred

• Sound investment, financial and product knowledge

• Proven track record and experience working across regions and time zones highly preferred. 

Technical Knowledge

• Sound technical investment skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills

• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear, concise materials 

• High attention to detail and quality

• Strong written communication and presentation skills

• Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving priorities

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams and senior stakeholders

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft applications, specifically Excel and PowerPoint

• Clear understanding of fund terms and other investment structures

• Strong project management skills and ability to plan and manage projects to meet business objectives

• Strong conceptually and analytically, able to grasp commercial and strategic aspects of the business.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Exact compensation amount may vary and will be determined by several components including but not limited to the individual’s experience, skills and qualifications. Total compensation for this role includes eligibility for a discretionary performance-based bonus.

$198,000 – $225,000

IFM also offers robust benefits offerings which include but is not limited to Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision plans (significant employer subsidy), 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Commuter Benefits and Headspace subscription.

Ready to invest in what matters?
With IFM, that includes your own career. Visit ifminvestors.com/careers to find out more.

IFM Investors is committed to promoting an inclusive culture where all employees are valued and recognised for their unique qualities, backgrounds, and perspectives. We champion all groups regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or family status. We are committed to providing individuals with disabilities reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you require specific support at any stage of the recruitment process at [email protected]