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- Tasks: Lead legal operations and ensure high-quality service delivery in a vital public sector role.
- Company: The Pensions Ombudsman, a key player in the UK pensions landscape.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous home working policies, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumers' lives while driving improvements in the pensions industry.
- Qualifications: Professional legal qualification and substantial experience in pensions law or regulatory environments.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to public service and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) plays a unique and vital role in the UK’s pensions landscape. As an independent body, TPO investigates and determines complaints about how pensions are administered and managed. Each year we handle around 9,000 enquiries and 11,000 complaints, delivering fair outcomes, influencing industry standards, and ensuring confidence in the pensions system. With a dedicated team of nearly 190 employees and approximately 150 volunteers, we are an organisation that is growing, modernising, and committed to continuous improvement. Our work can be challenging and high-profile, delivering a fair outcome for the individual and highlighting where the pensions industry can improve.
We are now seeking to appoint a Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Legal) to lead the operational delivery of our Legal function and act as a senior leader within the Executive Team. This newly restructured role is central to our transformation journey, strengthening our legal operations and ensuring we can meet rising demand for our services. You will oversee all aspects of legal service delivery, including casework support, litigation and judicial review management, and legal input on policy and legislative matters. Working closely with the Deputy COO (Casework) and senior leaders across TPO, you will ensure high‑quality, consistent legal advice that supports efficient case resolution and reinforces our commitment to fairness, accuracy, and integrity.
We’re looking for a highly skilled and collaborative legal leader with:
- A professional legal qualification (solicitor or barrister) and substantial post‑qualification experience.
- Expertise in pensions law, litigation, or legal service delivery in an Ombuds, regulatory, complaint‑handling or investigative environment.
- A track record of leading high‑performing teams and delivering measurable operational improvements.
- Strong analytical, communication and drafting skills, paired with excellent judgement and the ability to influence at senior levels.
- A commitment to public service, learning, development, and continuous improvement.
This role offers a chance to support the delivery of critical services to consumers in their time of need. With generous flexible and home working policies, and an engaged and motivated team, we can provide the platform you need to deliver exceptional results. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Legal) in London employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Legal) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the legal field, especially those who might have insights into TPO. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching TPO’s recent cases and their impact on the pensions landscape. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and legal challenges. We want to see how you think on your feet and handle tough situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at TPO.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Legal) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in pensions law and legal service delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Legal) at TPO.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading high-performing teams, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive operational improvements, so let that shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application directly through our website before the closing date. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your Pensions Law
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pensions law and the specific legal frameworks relevant to The Pensions Ombudsman. Being able to discuss recent cases or changes in legislation will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've led high-performing teams or implemented operational improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've used your analytical skills to solve complex legal issues. Think of specific instances where your judgement made a difference, especially in a regulatory or complaint-handling context, as this aligns perfectly with the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Public Service
The Pensions Ombudsman values public service highly, so be prepared to articulate why you’re passionate about this area. Share experiences that highlight your dedication to fairness, integrity, and continuous improvement in legal service delivery.