At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the DC pensions consulting practice and shape strategic pension solutions for clients.
- Company: Join EY, a global leader in consulting with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities to influence major decisions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace pensions and financial wellbeing strategies.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in DC pensions consulting and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence. We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go. Join EY and help to build a better working world.
About EY Pensions Consulting
We advise some of the UK's largest employers on workplace pension strategy, scheme governance, financial wellbeing and provider selection, working within a multi-disciplinary environment that draws on the breadth of EY's consulting, tax and advisory capabilities. EY is accelerating the growth of its Pensions Consulting practice. Building on an established client base and strong market reputation, we are seeking a senior experienced leader to head the DC pensions team.
The Opportunity
This is a Director-level appointment with responsibility for leading the DC pensions consulting practice. You will be the senior point of contact for clients on all DC matters, setting the strategic direction for the team whilst personally leading complex, high-value engagements at board and trustee level. You will work closely with employers to shape their pension and broader savings strategies, advise on scheme design, investment propositions (including default fund selection and at-retirement solutions) and help clients navigate the evolving regulatory and market landscape. This role requires someone who combines deep technical knowledge with the commercial acumen and gravitas to influence decision-makers at the most senior level.
Key Responsibilities
- DC Strategy and Scheme Design: Act as the senior client lead on DC strategy projects, presenting recommendations and options to boards, pension committees and senior leadership teams. Advise employers on scheme design, including contribution structures, auto-enrolment strategy, salary sacrifice arrangements and flexible benefit integration. Lead provider selection and review exercises, managing procurement processes from scoping through to implementation.
- Leadership and Business Development: Lead and grow the DC Pensions Consulting team, setting strategy, priorities and quality standards across all client engagements. Develop trusted, long‑term relationships with clients at CFO, HR Director and Reward Director level. Identify and convert new business opportunities, contributing to the commercial growth of the practice. Mentor and develop team members, building capability and ensuring high professional standards. Stay abreast of regulatory developments, market trends and product innovation to ensure our advice remains market‑leading.
- Investment Advice: Provide investment advice around DC schemes, including default fund design, fund range selection and investment governance frameworks. Advise on at‑retirement investment solutions, including drawdown defaults, cash/annuity pathways and decumulation journey design.
- Broader Savings and Financial Wellbeing: Help employers look beyond pensions to develop holistic financial wellbeing strategies, including ISAs, share schemes, emergency savings and lifetime savings frameworks.
- Governance: Establish and run governance frameworks for clients, including setting up and chairing investment governance committees, pension governance committees and financial wellbeing steering groups.
Essential Requirements
- Significant experience in DC pensions consulting, with a demonstrable track record of leading and delivering strategy projects at the board and senior management level.
- Strong commercial awareness and experience of winning and developing new business in a consulting or advisory environment.
- Excellent project management skills, with experience in running complex, multi‑stakeholder engagements to scope and budget.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex technical matters into clear, actionable advice for non‑specialist audiences.
Personal Qualities
- A natural leader who can inspire confidence in clients and colleagues.
- Commercially minded, with the ability to spot opportunities and build a practice.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics.
- Collaborative and collegiate, with a genuine interest in developing others.
- Self‑starting, energetic and driven, with high standards of professional integrity.
Director, Pensions, Actuarial employer: EY
At EY, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. As a leader in Pensions Consulting, we offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a commitment to work-life balance and employee wellbeing. Join us in our London office, where you will collaborate with diverse teams and engage with some of the UK's largest employers, all while shaping the future of workplace pensions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Pensions, Actuarial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the pensions and actuarial space. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking, make sure to highlight your experience in DC pensions consulting. Share specific examples of how you've led strategy projects or influenced decision-makers. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching EY’s Pensions Consulting practice. Understand their approach to workplace pension strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Tailoring your responses to their specific challenges will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can help us build a better working world. So, get your application in and let’s shape the future together!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Pensions, Actuarial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Pensions, Actuarial role. Highlight your experience in DC pensions consulting and how it aligns with EY's needs. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior position, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in complex environments. We love seeing candidates who can inspire confidence and drive results!
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key for this role. Make sure your application is clear and concise, avoiding jargon where possible. We appreciate candidates who can distil complex information into straightforward advice, just like we do at EY.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team and shaping the future together!
How to prepare for a job interview at EY
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of DC pensions consulting. Understand the latest trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in the industry. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential leader in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage complex projects. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led initiatives or mentored team members. This will help you illustrate your leadership style and how it aligns with EY's values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about how you would approach real-life challenges in DC pensions consulting, such as advising a client on scheme design or navigating regulatory changes. Practising these scenarios can give you an edge.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences at EY and share your thoughts on the future of pensions consulting. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you stand out as a personable candidate.
