At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the DC pensions consulting practice and shape strategies for major employers.
- Company: Join EY, a global leader in consulting with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to mentor and develop a talented team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial wellbeing and pension strategies for top clients.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in DC pensions consulting and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ 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 in London 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 London, 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 in London
✨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
Show off 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 and influenced decision-makers. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities at EY, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current market trends and regulatory changes in the pensions sector. Be ready to discuss how you can help clients navigate these challenges. Confidence and knowledge are key to landing that director role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Pensions, Actuarial in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director, Pensions, Actuarial. Highlight your experience in DC pensions consulting and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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. Share specific examples of your achievements in leading strategy projects and developing client relationships. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since outstanding written communication is essential for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon where possible and focus on distilling complex ideas into straightforward language. We appreciate clarity and professionalism in every application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, your application will go directly to us, and we can review it more efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at EY!
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 scheme design and investment advice. 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
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to mentor others and develop long-term client relationships. This role is all about leadership, so demonstrating your experience in guiding teams and influencing decision-makers will be key.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since you'll be presenting to boards and senior leadership teams, practice distilling complex information into clear, actionable advice. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your verbal communication skills and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and commercial awareness. Think about how you would approach various challenges in DC pensions consulting, such as navigating regulatory changes or managing stakeholder dynamics, and be prepared to discuss your thought process.
