UK & Ireland Senior Pensions Manager

JLL is seeking an experienced Senior Pensions Manager to lead strategic pension operations across the UK and Ireland. This role requires a subject matter expert who will manage complex defined benefit and defined contribution pension arrangements while ensuring full regulatory compliance and optimising member outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic direction for pension operations across the EMEA region, with particular focus on UK and Ireland markets.
• Apply industry best practices in alignment with government requirements and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage scheme governance structures to meet local jurisdictional requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of current and historical pension arrangements.

JLL Retirement Benefits Scheme Administration

• Serve as primary liaison for the JLL Retirement Benefits Scheme, providing ongoing trustee support.
• Attend trustee meetings and prepare annual trustee reports.
• Monitor cash flow requirements and coordinate with investment advisors regarding disinvestment strategies.
• Handle administration matters requiring trustee input, including early and late retirement cases.
• Act as escalation point for complex member queries and benefit calculations.

Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including Pensions Regulator reporting.
• Conduct annual risk assessments and maintain Statement of Investment Principles.
• Manage Pension Protection Fund levy calculations and submissions.
• Oversee triennial valuation processes and coordinate actuarial requirements.
• Ensure adherence to General Code provisions and regulatory best practices.

Stakeholder and Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders including trustees, investment advisers, scheme administrators, and actuaries.
• Coordinate with external auditors for annual report and accounts preparation.
• Oversee provider relationships either directly or through global broker arrangements.
• Review and optimise current provider and vendor management arrangements.
• Process invoice settlements for scheme-related expenses.

Principal Employer Relations

• Facilitate communications between JLL Ltd as Principal Employer and scheme trustees.
• Coordinate annual update meetings between Principal Employer and trustee representatives.
• Manage consultation processes for discretionary pension increases and other employer decisions.
• Liaise with Principal Employer advisers on strategic pension matters.

Specialised Knowledge Requirements

• Maintain expertise in legacy arrangements including Industry Wide Coal Workers Staff Superannuation Scheme.
• Provide guidance on Fair Deal Transfers from public sector arrangements.
• Apply historical knowledge of UK and Ireland defined benefit and defined contribution pension structures.
• Support implementation of investment strategy initiatives across pension arrangements.

Required Qualifications

• Education and Professional Credentials: Bachelor's degree in relevant field (Finance, Actuarial Science, Business Administration). Professional pension qualification (PMI, APMI, or equivalent) preferred. Strong understanding of UK pension legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience: Minimum 7‑10 years experience in pension administration and management. Proven track record managing both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements. Experience working with pension trustees and regulatory bodies. Background in multi‑jurisdictional pension operations preferred.
• Technical Skills: Deep knowledge of UK pension regulatory framework and compliance requirements. Understanding of investment principles and pension scheme funding mechanisms. Experience with pension administration systems and processes. Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Core Competencies: Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills. Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively across global teams.