Senior Associate, Strategy, Real Assets

Purpose. Performance. People.

Joining CPP Investments means joining one of the world’s most admired and respected institutional investors to drive a single mandate: to deliver strong, sustainable returns for generations of Canadians.

With a long-term horizon and global reach, we deploy capital at scale across public and private markets. Our size, stability, and disciplined investment philosophy allow us to pursue complex opportunities and build enduring partnerships worldwide. 

For our people, this means meaningful work with tangible impact, real opportunity, and collaboration with exceptional colleagues who value partnership and performance.Here, you’ll contribute to outcomes that matter alongside team members committed to excellence and shared success.

The Role

We are recruiting for a Senior Associate to join CPP Investments' Real Assets Strategy Group (“RASG”), based in Toronto. RASG is part of CPP Investments' Real Assets department (“RA”), which manages approximately $160 billion in assets across its Real Estate, Infrastructure, Sustainable Energies and Listed Real Assets investment groups.

RASG is responsible for developing top-down investment perspectives, portfolio analytics and strategic frameworks that directly impact capital allocation across the RA portfolio. Working closely with other investment teams, the group translates macroeconomic and thematic insights into portfolio actions that enhance portfolio construction and long-term alpha generation.
Reporting to the Managing Director, Head of Real Assets Strategy, the successful candidate will support thematic investing, develop quantitative investment frameworks and portfolio recommendations, and contribute to AI-enabled investment processes that strengthen investment decision-making across the department. This role is ideal for intellectually curious investors who enjoy combining macro thinking, quantitative analysis, technology and investment judgment to solve complex portfolio problems.

The Team

Accountabilities

• Work with Real Assets investment teams and stakeholders across CPP Investments to develop portfolio-level analytics, relative-value insights and investment strategies that support alpha generation.

• Conduct rigorous thematic research on structural, macroeconomic and industry trends affecting RA, and translate findings into differentiated and actionable investment actions that influence capital deployment priorities and portfolio construction decisions.

• Build, enhance and maintain financial, statistical and portfolio models used for investment analysis, portfolio construction, risk assessment and strategic asset-allocation work.

• Synthesize public and proprietary research, internal subject-matter expertise and external specialist perspectives into clear, decision-useful insights.

• Support the design and implementation of portfolio actions arising from thematic and relative-value work.

• Apply, and in some cases develop, AI and emerging analytical tools to enhance investment research, scenario analysis, portfolio monitoring and investment decision-making. Contribute to the design, evaluation and adoption of AI-enabled workflows that improve investment effectiveness across the department.

• Prepare high-quality presentations, memoranda and other materials for senior management, investment committees and Board-related discussions.

• Manage workstreams with multiple stakeholders, maintain clear project plans and communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of relevant work experience (e.g., strategy consulting or investing role)

• University degree in finance, economics, engineering, mathematics or a related quantitative discipline.

• Direct investment experience is preferred but not essential, but a keen interest in portfolio management, portfolio construction and an understanding of relevant asset classes is desirable

• Clear and proven communication and presentation skills (oral and written)

• Strong quantitative, research, financial modelling and analytical skills.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills both within a team as well as across different groups in an organization.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage generative AI, machine learning or advanced analytical tools to improve research, modelling or investment workflows

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; ability to deliver high-quality work across competing deadlines

• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and balance shifting priorities.

You are motivated to contribute to something larger than yourself, approach complex challenges with rigor, and hold yourself to  high standards in a collaborative, performance-driven environment.

We provide colleagues with cutting-edge AI tools, dedicated learning time, and practical support to help them deliver with greater impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

CPP Investments is committed to equitable access to employment and building a workforce that reflects diverse talent and perspectives. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Attention: Protect Yourself from Fraud

CPP Investments is committed to a secure and transparent recruitment process. We will never ask candidates for payment or financial information at any stage of hiring. All legitimate opportunities are posted on our careers page, and communications will come from our applicant tracking system, Workday. 

CPP Investments may use AI tools to help screen and assess applicants by analyzing resumes and applications for relevant skills and experience. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision-making.

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