At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage third-party administrators in the pensions sector.
- Company: A leading insurer in the UK pensions de-risking market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, strong benefits, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of TPA relationships and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in defined benefit pensions administration and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading insurer in the UK pensions de-risking market is looking for a Pension Services TPA Manager to join its Customer Operations team. This is a key leadership role with responsibility for managing third-party administrators (TPAs), overseeing scheme transitions, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for policyholders across a growing bulk annuity portfolio.
The Opportunity
You'll take ownership of TPA relationships and performance, ensuring strong governance, robust controls and consistent delivery across complex defined benefit schemes. This role combines operational leadership, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement, with exposure to large-scale buy-in and buy-out activity.
Key Responsibilities
- TPA Oversight & Governance
- Lead oversight of third-party administrators, ensuring delivery against agreed SLAs, KPIs and quality standards
- Monitor performance across key areas including complex calculations, regulatory queries, payments and reporting
- Drive improvements across processes, controls and service delivery
- Team Leadership
- Lead and develop a team, including performance management, coaching and capability building
- Ensure the team is equipped to manage scheme complexity and deliver high-quality outcomes
- Scheme Transitions & Delivery
- Support onboarding of new schemes and transitions into TPA operating models
- Work closely with internal teams (Actuarial, Transitions, Finance, Payroll) to ensure readiness and smooth implementation
- Stakeholder Management
- Act as a key point of contact for Trustees, TPAs and internal stakeholders
- Attend governance forums and contribute to strategic discussions on service delivery and operations
- Risk, Compliance & Customer Outcomes
- Ensure adherence to Consumer Duty and regulatory expectations
- Oversee audit activity, risk events and issue resolution
- Drive a strong customer-first approach across all administration activity
Your Background
- Strong experience in defined benefit pensions administration
- Proven track record managing or overseeing TPAs
- Experience of scheme transitions, buy-ins or buy-outs
- Previous leadership experience within pensions operations
- Strong stakeholder management across Trustees and external providers
- Solid understanding of regulatory expectations, including Consumer Duty
What Sets You Apart
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance risk, cost and customer outcomes
- Strong operational leader who can manage complexity and drive performance
- Confident influencing internal teams and external partners
- Proactive in identifying improvements and driving change
Why Apply
- Join a market-leading business in a high-growth area of pensions
- Work on complex, large-scale schemes and transactions
- Role with real ownership and visibility across the organisation
- Strong culture focused on collaboration, accountability and outcomes
If you're currently leading DB pensions operations or managing TPA relationships and want to step into a broader, more strategic role, this is a strong opportunity to progress your career.
Pensions TPA Manager employer: Highams Recruitment
As a leading insurer in the UK pensions de-risking market, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and accountable work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while providing strong benefits and competitive salaries, alongside opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within a dynamic team. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the pensions sector, where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions TPA Manager
✨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 Highams Recruitment. 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 TPA Manager
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 Highams Recruitment.
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 Highams Recruitment'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 Highams Recruitment
✨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 Highams Recruitment.
✨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 Highams Recruitment 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 Highams Recruitment 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.
