At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational readiness for client projects and ensure smooth onboarding of pension schemes.
- Company: Join a leading BPA/Pensions provider with a focus on innovation and client satisfaction.
- Benefits: Flexible travel, competitive salary, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential for growth and exposure to new business areas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pensions sector while collaborating with experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in defined benefits pensions and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42525 - 51975 £ per year.
Oliver James are recruiting on behalf of a leading BPA/ Pensions provider who are seeking the support of an experienced individual with expertise in defined benefits pensions to join their growing team.
This is a UK based opportunity, you must live and pay tax in the UK to be considered.
Location: London based - flexible travel arrangements. Home locations UK wide are encouraged to apply!
Role purpose
Collaborate with and influence third‑party administrators (TPAs) and senior operational managers to deliver new client projects into the agreed operating model.
Support improvements to systems, processes and technology, securing stakeholder buy‑in where required.
Provide knowledge, experience and oversight across scheme implementation, operational readiness, handover and go‑live to support positive policyholder outcomes.
Support new business pitches with implementation expertise, including scheme onboarding and operational readiness requirements.
Deliver strong outcomes across capital, profitability, brand, market reputation and policyholder experience.
Provide oversight and challenge across operational readiness, ensuring risks, dependencies, readiness gaps, mitigations and actions are understood, owned and governed.
- Specific accountabilities
- Represent the business in decisions relating to client project delivery, ensuring alignment with the operating model and operational readiness requirements.
- Support the Head of Pension Operations in delivering a high level of service to clients and policyholders.
- Work with internal Transition Managers and outsourced administration teams to deliver successful scheme onboarding, with clear ownership of readiness items, risks, mitigations and handover activity.
- Lead the operational readiness workstream, providing governance, oversight and challenge, and escalating issues where go‑live readiness, customer outcomes, service delivery or BAU transition may be impacted.
- Manage project workstreams to onboard new schemes into the operating model, ensuring scheme benefits are understood and specified and data is fit for administration and actuarial valuation.
- Required Skillsets
- Defined Benefits pensions expertise - minimum 10 years'
- Strong experience within pensions implementation, ideally having worked as part of an implementation team previously
- Understanding of end-to-end implementation process, ideally including buy-in to buy-out.
- Good exposure to a wide range of schemes and understanding of scheme structures
- Former project management experience (or similar role)
- Calculation and calculation automation experience is advantageous
- GMP experience is advantageous
- Soft skills / additional
- Excellent communication skills - prior experience influencing and communicating with stakeholders, TPA providers and wider team members
- Good commercial awareness/ judgement
- Team
You will join a growing team complied of experienced individuals.
Dependant on your career goals you will have the opportunity to progress upwards or gain exposure to new areas on business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Operational Readiness Manager – Defined Benefit in London employer: Oliver James Associates Ltd.
Join a leading consultancy that values your growth and offers a dynamic work culture where you can thrive as an Actuarial Manager. With a focus on flexibility and work-life balance, you'll have the chance to engage with diverse clients and projects, enhancing your expertise in the UK Life market while building a robust professional network. This role not only provides a platform for meaningful contributions but also fosters continuous learning and development in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Oliver James Associates Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Readiness Manager – Defined Benefit in London
✨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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.. 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 Operational Readiness Manager – Defined Benefit in London
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 Oliver James Associates Ltd..
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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.'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 Oliver James Associates Ltd.
✨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 Oliver James Associates Ltd..
✨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 Oliver James Associates Ltd. 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 Oliver James Associates Ltd. 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.