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- Tasks: Lead impactful policy and research initiatives for local government pension funds.
- Company: Join LGPS Central, a pioneering asset manager in the pensions industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pensions while making a difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or research, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join LGPS Central at a pivotal moment — where strong policy and research capability supports long term investment outcomes. At LGPS Central, we're at the heart of one of the most exciting shifts in the pensions and investment industry. With the Government's Fit for Future agenda and wider pensions reform driving real change, now is the perfect time to join us and play a leading role in shaping how billions of pounds are invested for the benefit of local communities.
We are looking for a Policy and Research Manager to support our policy, research and advocacy work on behalf of our Partner Funds. Working with the Director of Policy, you will help shape, coordinate and deliver activity that strengthens our position on key policy, regulatory and investment matters affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme. The role blends research, policy analysis, stakeholder coordination and project delivery. You will work across several workstreams, turn complex topics into clear messages and support high quality outputs for both internal and external audiences.
The ideal candidate will be organised, collaborative and confident engaging with senior stakeholders across government, local authority funds, regulators and the wider pensions industry.
What you’ll be doing:
- Draft policy reports, consultation responses, policy papers, and briefing notes in collaboration with the Director of Policy and internal subject matter experts.
- Monitor and summarise relevant policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, ensuring key stakeholders are kept informed of emerging issues.
- Prepare concise and accurate briefing materials for senior colleagues, the Board, and Partner Funds ahead of meetings with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Undertake policy and data research, drawing together insight and evidence to support LGPS Central’s position on key topics such as pooling, pensions reform, responsible investment, and local investment.
- Support the development and delivery of commissioned research projects, including procurement, data gathering, and quality assurance.
- Provide day-to-day support to the Director of Policy on all aspects of policy development, research and stakeholder engagement.
- Help design and maintain a forward plan for research and policy work, ensuring priorities are tracked and delivered on schedule.
- Support the coordination of LGPS Central’s engagement with government departments, regulators, and trade bodies.
- Assist with the organisation and delivery of public affairs events, meetings, and roundtables.
- Work closely with the Communications team to help develop external publications, reports, and thought leadership materials.
- Maintain accurate records of policy correspondence, responses, and key stakeholder interactions.
- Contribute to the overall success of the Policy function by sharing ideas, improving processes, and ensuring alignment with LGPS Central’s strategic objectives.
- Represent LGPS Central at relevant meetings and industry events when required.
About Us
LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Funds, and it is responsible for managing £45bn+ of their assets. It is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.
LGPS Central's Partner Funds are:
- Cheshire Pension Fund
- Derbyshire Pension Fund
- Leicestershire Pension Fund
- Nottinghamshire Pension Fund
- Shropshire Pension Fund
- Staffordshire Pension Fund
- West Midlands Pension Fund
- Worcestershire Pension Fund
The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class. LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.
Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record and extensive experience in private debt markets, gained within an asset manager, asset owner, investment bank, advisor or rating agency. Experience working with or on behalf of pension funds or other institutional investors is highly desirable.
The successful individual will demonstrate:
- Previous experience in a policy, research, or public affairs role, ideally within central or local government, financial services, or a trade association.
- Strong understanding of public policy and political processes in the UK.
- Excellent research, analytical, and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to interpret complex information and summarise it clearly and persuasively.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in both written and verbal work.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Confident and professional communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments to achieve shared goals.
- Flexible and proactive approach, willing to get involved in a wide range of activities to support the Policy function.
- Interest in the LGPS, pensions policy, and sustainable long-term investment.
Qualifications:
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in public policy, economics, finance, politics, or a related discipline.
- Postgraduate qualification in public policy, economics, or research is desirable.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIPFA, PMI, PensionsUK, CFA UK, or equivalent) would be an advantage.
What do we offer?
We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer. Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy:
- Competitive salary
- An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
- 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
- 2 days paid volunteering days
- An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
- Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
- Welfare and Family friendly policies
- Enhanced pay for new parents
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance
- Hybrid Working
- Company Service Awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 Personnel Today Awards 2022 Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023 Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023
Policy & Research Manager in Wolverhampton employer: LGPS Central
Contact Detail:
LGPS Central Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy & Research Manager in Wolverhampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the pensions and investment industry, especially those connected to LGPS Central. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching LGPS Central’s recent projects and policy initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Policy & Research Manager, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try explaining key topics to friends or family to refine your ability to simplify and summarise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at LGPS Central.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy & Research Manager in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Policy & Research Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that illustrate your analytical abilities and how you've successfully communicated complex information to senior stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, clarity is key. We want to see that you can summarise complex topics into clear messages, so keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon where possible.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at LGPS Central
✨Know Your Policy Stuff
Make sure you brush up on current policies and reforms affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme. Being able to discuss recent developments confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the landscape.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare examples of your previous research projects, especially those related to policy analysis or stakeholder engagement. Be ready to explain how you turned complex data into clear, actionable insights — this is key for the role!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference, as this role requires a lot of collaboration and coordination.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the job involves managing multiple priorities, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively organised your workload in previous roles. Highlight any tools or methods you use to keep track of deadlines and deliverables.
