Hours for Canadian Pension Direct PE Teams?
I was just wondering what the hours are like in the direct PE teams at the Canadian pensions (i.e. OMERS, OTPP, HOOPP). I've worked in MM PE before and from my understanding, the pensions are slightly better from a WLB perspective, on average because hours really depend on the work coming in at a specific time. Just curious if this assumption is correct.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your assumption is generally correct. Canadian pension funds like OMERS, OTPP, and HOOPP are known for offering better work-life balance (WLB) compared to MM PE. While hours can still spike during live deals or busy periods, they are typically more manageable. For example, pensions often have a more structured and predictable workflow, and the culture tends to prioritize sustainability over the intense grind seen in MM PE.
However, it's worth noting that newer pensions like HOOPP or IMCO may lean more heavily on GPs and could have some variability in workload. Overall, the hours are better than MM PE, but they can still be demanding during deal times.
Sources: Private Equity shops with the best work/life balance, Private Equity in Canada - Updated, Canadian Junior Bankers - Where are you going?, Direct PE to Pension/Endowment, IBD vs. MM PE vs. CPPIB/ OTPP/ PSP/ CDPQ
Highly group dependent, and even within a group it can vary greatly based on what files you end up working on and which seniors you end up working with the most. In general and on average I’d say yes it’s probably better as you tend to get seniors that are more reasonable with regards to work life balance and such, but again it really depends. Direct PE teams will likely be sweatier than the other non direct teams
That's fair, basically what I figured as well. Thanks so much!
Yeah don't expect the hours to be that much better, as live deals are going to be a grind anyways if you're at a direct group. Where I expect the WLB difference to come in would be during non live deals as you wouldn't need to proactively go and source deals.
what are your hours like in MMPE? deal chase is around 70-80 for me and 50-60 during non live deals
I've worked at a couple of them, so I think it depends. For example, If the firm builds complete models + a complete deck for an IOI, you'll probably be 65 hours+ even during a non-deal period. If the firm is more "chill" and leaves the 50 pg decks and 10-scenario models to the LOI phase, then you'll be around ~55ish hours, assuming your portco is performing well. Deal chases in my experience range from 70-80 hours with a couple weeks of ~90 hours sprinkled in.
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