Pensions Manager (Maternity Cover – 15 months)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Pensions Manager to join a large, values-led social housing provider with a diverse pension landscape. Reporting into the Director of Financial Reporting & Control, you will be the organisation’s subject matter expert on all pension-related matters, overseeing multiple pension arrangements and providing strategic advice across the business.

This is a highly visible role where you will work closely with Finance, HR, Payroll, Recruitment, Internal Audit, Trustees and external advisers to ensure the effective governance, compliance and ongoing management of both defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes.

This role would suit an experienced pensions professional who enjoys managing a varied portfolio, leading change and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the organisation’s pensions subject matter expert, providing advice and guidance to stakeholders across Finance, HR, Payroll, Recruitment and Internal Audit.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of multiple pension arrangements, including defined benefit, defined contribution, public sector and multi-employer schemes.
• Manage relationships with external advisers, administrators, actuaries, legal advisers and pension providers, ensuring service standards are achieved and budgets are effectively managed.
• Lead the completion of annual pension reporting, including accounting disclosures and other regulatory reporting requirements.
• Support the development and implementation of pension strategy and lead pension-related change projects.
• Monitor developments in pensions legislation and regulation, ensuring all schemes remain compliant and advising the business on emerging changes.
• Attend Trustee and Employer Committee meetings, providing advice, reports and governance support as required.
• Maintain effective governance, risk management and control processes across all pension arrangements, reporting regularly to internal governance forums.
• Respond to complex pension queries from internal stakeholders and members where appropriate.

About You

We’re looking for an experienced pensions professional who can confidently manage complex pension arrangements while building effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience managing UK occupational pension schemes.
• Strong knowledge of both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension arrangements.
• Experience overseeing multiple pension schemes within a complex organisation.
• Excellent understanding of UK pensions legislation, governance and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing third-party advisers, administrators and professional service providers.
• Experience delivering pension projects and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate complex pension matters clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and the confidence to work independently.

Desirable Experience

• APMI qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting Trustee Boards and governance committees.
• Knowledge of pension accounting and reporting requirements (including FRS102).
• Experience working with public sector or multi-employer pension arrangements.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative organisation where pensions are recognised as a strategically important function. You’ll have the opportunity to work across a broad range of pension arrangements, influence business strategy, lead meaningful change projects and work alongside experienced internal and external professionals.

If you’re an experienced pensions professional looking for your next challenge within a complex, rewarding environment, we’d love to hear from you.