At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pension strategy and governance for a major UK corporate with significant assets.
- Company: Join a leading company committed to diversity and equality in the workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on innovation in pensions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pensions while making a real impact on members' lives.
- Qualifications: APMI/FPMI qualified with experience in managing large-scale DB schemes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
With approximately 57,000 members and assets totalling c£10 billion across three major Defined Benefit funds, our Defined Contribution Master Trust, and legacy schemes, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape strategy and deliver results on a large scale.
You will be the Ford UK pensions lead working with the Trustee Boards and our professional advisors.
You will hold a high-visibility position, serving as the Secretary for the Trustee Boards and associated investment companies.
You will lead the relationship with our outsourced administration partner (Aptia) and DC provider (Legal & General), ensuring robust governance and compliance in an evolving regulatory environment.
Beyond core governance, you will be a key player in our continued de-risking journey building on the success of previous buy ins.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Company Secretary to three Trustee Boards; managing agendas, minutes, and filings for those Boards.
Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulation and Regulator guidance including delivery and coordination of Trustee Risk Register, Effective System of Governance and ORA requirements.
Ensure delivery and coordination of all necessary training for the Trustee Board.
- Oversee, and work in regular collaboration with, Aptia to ensure contractual compliance, high member satisfaction and to drive forward enhanced member connection to the administrator.
- Manage high-level relationships with a suite of other professional advisors, including Scheme Actuary, Legal Counsel, Auditors, Independent Trustees and Covenant.
- Work with the US Corporate & Investment teams, Trustee Boards and external advisors to develop and execute future de-risking activities.
- Manage the relationship with the Legal & General Master Trust, ensuring effective auto-enrolment/re-enrolment processes and high-quality member service and communications.
Support Ford Executives with guidance on retirement options and pension implications.
- Act as the subject matter expert within Ford, and be able to advise on and resolve complex cases and complaints.
Manage the IDRP process, investigating formal complaints and coordinating responses to the Pensions Ombudsman.
- Oversee DC Plan and legacy DB schemes and act as a Trustee/Manager for the Management Healthcare Trust.
- Based in Dunton (Essex) with some travel to meetings in London and surrounding area required.
Experience & Qualifications
- APMI/FPMI qualified (or equivalent) with active membership of the PMI
- Proven track record in managing large-scale DB schemes, ideally within a major UK corporate, third-party administrator or consultancy.
- Significant experience of supplier relationship management within a pension administration environment in order to manage and negotiate those contracts.
- Experience of acting as a Trustee Secretary .
- Direct experience of working closely with Union partners.
- Strong understanding of UK pensions legislation, tax regulations and auto-enrolment compliance. Strong pensions governance knowledge, including risk management.
- Clear communicator, both verbally and in writing with the ability to explain and simplify complex matters for Trustee Directors, Management and Members.
- Prior experience in significant projects (buy-ins/buy-outs) and liability management.
- Good negotiating and influencing skills.
The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.
As part of our pre-employment checks process, successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check.
This will be conducted in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and applied only to unspent convictions.
This position is based in Basildon, Essex and it is expected the successful candidate will be able to attend the Dunton Campus for typically 4 days a week and remain flexible on the days they are required to attend the office according to business requirements.
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Pensions Manager in Basildon employer: Ford
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Manager in Basildon
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ford. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Manager in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ford.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ford's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ford.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ford will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ford employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
