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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pension administration for 350,000 members, ensuring excellent operational delivery.
- Company: Railpen manages £34 billion in assets and supports the Railway Pension Scheme.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous leave, and health perks.
- Why this job: Join a transformative team focused on member-first vision and positive community impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in pensions, leadership in Defined Benefits, and cultural change expertise required.
- Other info: Travel costs covered for non-local applicants; strong focus on employee development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
IPS Group are currently working with Railpen on an exciting opportunity for a Director of Pensions Administration to join the Member Services Leadership team, reporting to the Chief Officer, Member Services on a permanent basis. We support hybrid working in this role, but there is a need for regular, weekly presence in the Darlington office. Travel and accommodation costs can be paid for applicants who are not necessarily local but would be interested in this superb opportunity. Who are Railpen?Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our interactions with others. They are what we stand for.About the RoleThe Member Services business unit is entering a pivotal phase. Under new leadership, we are embarking on a transformation journey centred around a bold, member-first vision. This is a time of change, challenge, and opportunity—and we’re looking for someone ready to lead from the front.As Director of Administration, you will lead the pension administration function for Railpen, delivering excellent operational delivery to approximately 350,000 members within the Railway Pension Scheme, covering a range of pension products and services, including complex DB, hybrid, CARE and DC.As a member of the Member Services senior leadership team, you will provide strategic insight, challenge and leadership, translating strategic objectives into operational deliverables in a challenging but exciting environment. Responsible for c.100 colleagues, you will be instrumental in shaping our culture and driving positive change for our colleagues and members alike.Who are we looking for? The pension landscape is ever-changing, we need a leader who will embrace change and drive excellence through complexity.The successful candidate will be someone who has significant experience in the pension industry, leading a large-scale pension operation within Defined Benefits and has the ability to transform culture and operational excellence in a large team. You will bring sound DB and DC knowledge to drive forward and resolve complex operational demands through innovative and clear solutions.We are looking for a collaborative and people-focused leader who is purpose-led and passionate about making a real difference for colleagues and members alike. You will be comfortable leading in ambiguity, resilient in the face of multiple challenges, and versatile in your approach to problem-solving.Experience of leading significant cultural change and leadership development within a high-volume, service-driven operation is key. You will be hands-on, willing to get into the detail, and maintain a strong industry network to balance short- and long-term objectives.As a Director, you will help foster a learning and supportive culture, developing and retaining internal talent while creating opportunities to support attraction.What we can offer you Rewarding you
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
- Colleague referral scheme
Heath & Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
Lifestyle
- We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
Director of Pension Administration employer: IPS Group
Contact Detail:
IPS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Pension Administration
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Railpen's values of integrity, community, and alignment. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your leadership style aligns with these principles to show that you are a cultural fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the pension industry, especially with professionals who have experience in Defined Benefits and large-scale operations. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends and challenges in pension administration.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led cultural change and operational excellence in previous roles. Be ready to share your strategies for overcoming challenges and driving innovation in a high-volume service environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current landscape of the pension industry, particularly focusing on the complexities of DB, hybrid, CARE, and DC schemes. Being well-informed will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions about the future direction of Railpen and how you can contribute to its transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Pension Administration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Director of Pension Administration position. Make sure to understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in pension operations and leadership.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in the pension industry, especially in Defined Benefits and leading large teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural change and operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the values of Railpen. Emphasise your leadership style, experience with complex pension products, and how you can contribute to their member-first vision.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that showcase your success in previous roles. This could be improvements in operational efficiency, team development, or successful project implementations in the pension sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group
✨Understand the Pension Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the current pension landscape, especially in relation to Defined Benefits and Defined Contributions. Be prepared to discuss recent changes and how they might impact Railpen and its members.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in leading large teams and driving cultural change within a high-volume, service-driven environment. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage a diverse group of colleagues.
✨Emphasise Member-Centric Approach
Railpen values a member-first vision, so be ready to discuss how you would prioritise member needs in your role. Share specific strategies or initiatives you've implemented in the past that improved member services.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the transformative phase Railpen is entering, expect questions about your approach to managing change. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated ambiguity and led teams through challenging transitions.