Chief Operations and Technology Officer

Reporting into the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), we are seeking a Chief Operations & Technology Officer (COTO) that will be strategically responsible for setting and embedding a successful technology, data and operations vision, ensuring delivery through outsource partners and driving its successful adoption by the business.

This comes at a time of significant change in the sector, LGPS Central is rapidly evolving its service for Partner Funds under the governments LGPS ‘Fit for Future’ proposals. It is anticipated that significantly more Partner Fund assets transition into pooling, with LGPS Central becoming the primary source of Partner Fund investment strategy advice.

As a member of the Executive Committee, the COTO will significantly contribute to the wider business strategy, culture and philosophy of LGPS Central. In addition, the COTO will play a critical role in realising LGPS Central changing operating model building the capabilities required for the LGPS ‘Fit for Future’ proposals.

The COTO will specifically lead a team of 10 in the technology, data and operations function, with accountability for outsourced delivery through three key service providers. We are seeking an individual with a genuine interest in a purpose led public pension pool that can lead and evolve the technology, data and operating capabilities to meet the businesses strategic goals and ultimately providing Partner Funds with an increasingly capable platform to improve returns on their combined £56bn of assets. The outcome this will have a direct, tangible impact on the livelihoods and retirements of c.1 million local government pension scheme members.

We are seeking an accomplished operations and technology executive who can showcase relevant investment sector technology, data and/or operations expertise alongside highly developed business and people leadership skills. In addition, the successful candidate will have a genuine interest in joining a purpose led organisation with a tangible public benefit.

Executive ability is essential, contributing to the broader business strategy and establishing the right vision, culture and capabilities for the business through your technology, data and operations leadership. Then driving its adoption providing meaningful business benefit.

You will have a keen interest and ability in inspiring, developing and leading high performing teams, both in house and through third party service providers, along with nurturing and coaching the leadership talent of the future.

Proven ability to develop and drive adoption of technology and data capabilities for a fast evolving investment management business is important. Knowledge of Investment Operations and/or the technology supporting investment Operations is desirable. An interest and ability to engage with external stakeholders and specifically develop constructive Partner Fund relationships.

Local candidates or experience operating as the Technology or Operations leader in an Asset Owner or Institutional Asset Manager are desirable.

LGPS Central Ltd (LGPSC / ’the Company’) is the FCA-regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands, with combined assets of approximately £56bn, and representing the retirement savings of around 1 million scheme members across over 2,000 employers. Our Partner Funds are the Cheshire Pension Fund, Derbyshire Pension Fund, Leicestershire Pension Fund, Nottinghamshire Pension Fund, Shropshire Pension Fund, Staffordshire Pension Fund, the West Midlands Pension Fund and the Worcestershire Pension Fund.

The aim of LGPS Central is to utilise the combined buying power of its Partner Funds to reduce costs, improve investment returns and widen the range of available asset classes for investment – all for the benefit of local government pensioners, employees and employers.

As of March 2025, LGPS Central is directly responsible for around £45bn of assets across multiple asset classes, including £12bn internally managed public markets assets, £6bn within Private Markets (Private Equity, Property, Infrastructure & Private Credit) and £5bn within a range of Advisory Mandates. The volume of assets is expected to continue to grow, and over the next few years LGPS Central will continue to expand the Private Markets offering.

LGPS Central is passionate about and committed to responsible investment (RI) and believe that the integration of responsible investment factors supports long-term, risk-adjusted returns. We have made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class and in every investment mandate held and have the objective to be an exemplar for RI within the financial services industry.

LGPS Central Limited provides an exciting, supportive and family-friendly working environment, and we are committed to helping our people achieve their full potential and a healthy work-life balance. We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

This is a unique opportunity for a Technology & Operations leader to provide a tangible public benefit within the Midlands region.

For further information, please reach out to John Rainsbury - John.rainsbury@sandersonplc.com