Business Development Director (LGPS)

EQ Retirement Solutions is transforming the retirement and pensions markets with leading administration and technology solutions. With over 1200 employees globally, 189 years of knowledge and 11 million pension scheme members and policyholders, we are here to help people plan for a confident financial future by delivering innovative, reliable and customer-focused retirement services. Our teams are driven by a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration and making a real impact to the lives of our clients and customers.

We are now seeking a Business Development Director to drive growth across our Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) proposition. This role focuses on developing existing LGPS relationships, securing new opportunities and supporting the successful delivery of our LGPS strategy.

Reporting to a Managing Director, you will lead activity across business development, relationship management and commercial delivery. With an initial focus on LGPS framework opportunities and broader market development, you will play a central role in meeting new business targets and 5‑year growth plans.

You will need strong knowledge of the LGPS and wider workplace pensions landscape, technology or software provision, plus a proven track record in business development or relationship management.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Lead execution of the LGPS sales, relationship and implementation strategy, working closely with Product & Engineering and Professional Services.
• Manage tender processes for LGPS opportunities, collaborating with SMEs and the bid team.
• Develop, lead and coach the Business Development team; act as a senior external representative for LGPS clients.
• Own senior‑level LGPS relationships, ensuring high engagement, satisfaction and retention.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and resolve commercial or contractual queries.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and contribute to market strategy and thought leadership.
• Present commercial recommendations at the EQRS Commercial Review Board.
• Manage performance, growth and profitability of assigned accounts and ensure robust account plans.
• Represent the client internally, oversee delivery against KPIs and lead continuous improvement actions.
• Maintain accurate CRM and reporting to ensure visibility of pipeline and progress.
• Build strong internal relationships across Operations, Finance, Compliance and Sales Support to ensure successful client outcomes.
• Act as a key escalation point for LGPS operations and service delivery.

The duties and responsibilities outlined above are to be regarded as broad areas of responsibility and do not necessarily detail all tasks which the post holder may be required to perform.

The ideal candidate will have the below skills, capabilities and attributes essential or preferred:

• Strong knowledge of the pensions industry, ideally with direct LGPS experience.
• Experience in client-facing roles, sales, business development or relationship management.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of sales and marketing processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, matrix environment.
• Excellent communication, influencing and presentation skills up to C‑suite level.
• Strong planning, organisational and multi‑tasking capabilities.
• Credibility, resilience and the ability to build relationships quickly.
• Innovative thinking, problem‑solving skills and the ability to sell complex propositions.
• Ability to work remotely with regular UK travel.
• A collaborative, customer‑focused approach aligned with EQ values.

Save For Your Future - Equiniti Pension Plan; Equiniti matches your pension contributions up to 10%.

Health and Wellbeing - Employee Assistance Programme: counselling, legal & wellbeing support for colleagues and their households. Life assurance cover at 4x salary with the ability to purchase enhanced cover.

Employee discounts - Discounts and cashback at your favourite high street stores through our EQ Wins Platform.

Flexible Benefits - The ability to purchase a wide variety of benefits through our flex plan; gadgets, travel insurance, will writing, holiday trading and more.

Time Off - Typically 29 days holiday + bank holidays. 2 volunteer days to get involved with a charity of your choosing.

Winning together - Equiniti ICON award vouchers; recognising the individuals going above and beyond to help the business succeed.

Learning & Development - Investment in LinkedIn Learning for all colleagues.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please note any offer of employment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening checks. These consist of 5 year activity & GAP verification, DBS or Access NI, Credit, Sanctions & CIFAS checks.