Head of Administration - DC in Middlesbrough

Head of Administration - DC in Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Railpen Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate in DC pension administration, ensuring a member-first experience.
  • Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension management with a strong community focus.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of pensions while making a positive impact on members' lives.
  • Qualifications: Expertise in Defined Contribution pensions and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Head of Pension Administration - DC Member Services to join our team in Darlington on a hybrid, permanent basis, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Defined Contribution (DC) operations.

Who we are

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.

The role

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving excellence in DC pension administration and embedding Master Trust standards across our operations. You will lead on defining "what good looks like" for DC member services, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while delivering a member-first experience. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you will influence strategic change, improve operational capability, and help us close a critical gap in DC expertise to make Railpen fit for the future.

The person

You will bring proven expertise in Defined Contribution pensions and Master Trust frameworks, as these are essential for success in this role. A strong technical background in pensions administration, governance, and compliance is key, along with experience influencing strategic change and embedding best practice. You should be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and able to collaborate effectively across functions.

In terms of behaviours, you will be a passionate advocate for member-first principles, committed to delivering positive outcomes for our members. You will demonstrate an analytical and data-driven approach, with a continuous improvement mindset. Collaboration and influence are central to your style, enabling you to build strong relationships internally and externally. Resilience and adaptability are also important, as you will thrive in a changing environment and help shape the future of our DC operations.

Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. You will actively demonstrate our values - creating a safe environment, placing the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of fair challenge, aligning to the best interests of our members.

What we can offer you

  • A competitive salary (depending on experience)
  • 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Generous annual bonus plan
  • 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
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Health cash plan
  • Eye care vouchers
  • Flu vaccination

Lifestyle

  • Support for hybrid and flexible working
  • 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

Next Steps

Please apply via the apply button or visit by Monday 5th January. Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment; we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Head of Administration - DC in Middlesbrough employer: Railpen Limited

Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises member-first principles and community impact. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health and wellbeing support, all while fostering a flexible hybrid working environment in Darlington. Join us to shape the future of pension administration and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members.

Railpen Limited

Contact Details:

Railpen Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Administration - DC in Middlesbrough

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.

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Apply Directly and Be Proactive

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Administration - DC in Middlesbrough

Defined Contribution Pensions
Master Trust Frameworks
Pensions Administration
Governance
Compliance
Strategic Change Management
Best Practice Implementation

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 Railpen Limited.

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 Railpen Limited'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 Railpen Limited

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 Railpen Limited.

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 Railpen Limited 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 Railpen Limited 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.