At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate pensions governance and oversee strategic projects across UK&I.
- Company: Join DHL Group, a global leader in logistics with over 600,000 employees.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, collaborative environment, and opportunities for continuous development.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with significant scale and complexity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic pensions governance in a complex organisation.
- Qualifications: Experienced pensions professional with strong governance and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
At DHL Group we connect people and improve lives through logistics. With over 600,000 employees operating in more than 220 countries and territories, we are one of the world’s leading logistics providers. We are currently looking for a highly experienced pensions professional to join our UK&I Pensions team as Head of Corporate Pensions. This is a senior specialist leadership role responsible for the governance, financial oversight and strategic management of pension provision across the UK & Ireland businesses. The role combines technical pensions expertise with governance leadership, commercial support and delivery of key corporate pensions projects.
The Role
Reporting to the VP Pensions UK&I, you will lead corporate pensions governance activities and oversee strategic pensions projects to ensure compliant, effective and commercially sound pension arrangements across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- You will take ownership of corporate pensions governance across UK&I, ensuring strong compliance, robust controls and effective delivery of key strategic pensions initiatives.
- Governance & Strategy
- Lead pensions governance and strategic projects across UK&I businesses
- Support and coordinate the UK Pensions Committee, ensuring high-quality governance and decision-making
- Build trusted relationships with Trustees, advisers and regulators
- Ensure strong compliance with pensions legislation and governance frameworks
- Regulation & Compliance
- Oversee key regulatory obligations including auto-enrolment, re-enrolment, notifiable events and information-sharing requirements
- Act as a key contact for engagement with The Pensions Regulator
- Support governance of Irish pension arrangements and evolving regulatory requirements
- Own pensions inputs into Group and UK statutory financial reporting
- Support disclosures, pensions accounting and business P&L analysis
- Contribute to pension funding valuations and financial governance
- Drive pension risk and liability management initiatives, including PPF levy optimization
- Support GMP equalization and broader pension risk projects
- Oversee life assurance governance and renewal processes
- Business & Commercial Impact
- Provide pensions expertise on acquisitions, disposals and new business contracts
- Support TUPE transfers and public-sector-related arrangements (including NHS schemes)
- Manage external advisers, budgets and value-for-money performance
- Leadership & Influence
- Lead and develop one direct report
- Influence senior stakeholders across UK&I businesses
- Coordinate cross-functional pensions projects in a complex corporate environment
- Engage confidently with Trustees, Trade Unions and external partners
Your profile
We are seeking an experienced pensions professional who thrives in complex, regulated environments and enjoys combining technical depth with strategic influence. Strong background in UK pensions governance, consulting or in-house leadership roles. Deep understanding of UK pensions regulation and compliance frameworks. Experience with pensions accounting, reporting and valuation processes. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior level. Experience managing complex pensions projects and external advisers. Strong analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail. Experience with defined benefit schemes, liability management and multi-employer or public sector arrangements would be highly advantageous.
Why Join Us?
At DHL Group we offer the opportunity to work in a global organization with significant scale, complexity and impact. You will join a collaborative and highly professional environment where your expertise will directly influence strategic pensions governance across the UK & Ireland. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity, collaboration and continuous development.
Head of Corporate Pensions in Bedford employer: DHL
DHL Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your expertise as Head of Corporate Pensions will play a crucial role in shaping strategic governance across the UK & Ireland. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to influence key corporate pensions projects while working within a globally recognised logistics leader that values diversity and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Pensions in Bedford
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the pensions industry! Attend events, join LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at DHL Group. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in UK pensions governance and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex projects or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on DHL Group and its pensions strategy. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially around governance and regulatory compliance. Practise common interview questions and prepare some insightful questions of your own!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through the DHL Group website! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your application status that way.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Pensions in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Corporate Pensions role. Highlight your experience in pensions governance and compliance, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role at DHL Group. Share specific examples of your achievements in pensions management and how they relate to our needs. Let’s see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships with Trustees, advisers, and regulators. We value strong stakeholder management skills, so give us examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at DHL
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK pensions governance and compliance frameworks. Be prepared to discuss specific regulations and how they impact corporate pensions. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you have a deep understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Corporate Pensions, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Be ready to explain how you’ve built trusted relationships with stakeholders and navigated complex environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to pensions governance and compliance. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will help you convey your analytical mindset and attention to detail effectively.
✨Engage with Confidence
During the interview, engage confidently with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current pensions projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also allows you to demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you can add value to their team.
