At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the establishment of a new DC pension administration team and improve service performance.
- Company: Join Railpen, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to securing the future of railway pensions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and member outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pension administration and shape the future of the team.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in DC pension administration and excellent stakeholder management skills.
DC Pension Administration Stabilisation Lead (Fixed Term Contract) Darlington (hybrid working) 2 days per week in the Darlington office, with flexibility depending on business needs and stakeholder engagement.
About the role
At Railpen, we take a long-term view, protecting the future of the railways' pension schemes through thoughtful decisions made today. As our Defined Contribution (DC) pension administration service continues to evolve, we're looking for an experienced pensions professional to join us on an eighteen-month fixed-term contract to support the mobilisation, stabilisation and successful embedding of a newly established DC administration team. Reporting to the Head of DC Pension Administration, you'll play a pivotal role in maintaining service performance, embedding sustainable ways of working and supporting the transition of day-to-day leadership responsibilities to an existing team manager. This is a hands-on assignment where you'll combine operational expertise, leadership support and continuous improvement to ensure a high-quality service for members and employers.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting the mobilisation, implementation and stabilisation of the DC administration team
- Working alongside the Head of DC Pension Administration to prioritise workloads, manage operational issues and embed effective ways of working
- Maintaining and improving service performance, operational controls, accuracy and timeliness across DC administration activities
- Providing practical leadership support, coaching and knowledge transfer to team members and future team leaders
- Monitoring and improving performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs
- Managing operational risks, issues and incidents, ensuring appropriate escalation and resolution
- Identifying and implementing improvements to strengthen quality, efficiency and member outcomes
- Supporting the transition of ongoing leadership responsibilities to an existing team manager
- Building effective relationships with employers, suppliers, investment managers and internal stakeholders
- Representing DC Administration in relevant meetings, forums and working groups
Key operational responsibilities will include:
- Daily cash and unit reconciliations
- Resolution of breaks and exceptions
- Quarterly investment rebalancing
- Investment switches and unit adjustments
- Processing member and employer contributions
- Transfers in and out
- Retirement claims
- Ill-health claims
- Bereavement cases
- Divorce Pension Sharing Orders
- Complaints and escalations management
- Member, employer and supplier queries
What we're looking for
We're looking for an experienced pensions professional with a strong track record of delivering operational improvements and supporting teams through periods of change, mobilisation or recovery. You'll be comfortable rolling up your sleeves to solve complex challenges while maintaining strong governance and service standards.
Essential
- Strong experience in DC pension administration, ideally within a Master Trust or similarly complex DC environment
- Proven experience supporting mobilisation, service recovery, stabilisation or transition activity within pensions administration or another regulated environment
- Excellent knowledge of DC administration processes, including investments, reconciliations and operational controls
- Experience operating within a highly regulated environment and applying effective risk management practices
- Ability to balance operational oversight with hands-on delivery and implementation support
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results at pace
- A collaborative approach with a focus on continuous improvement and member outcomes
Desirable
- Experience supporting pensions administration transformation, transition or mobilisation programmes
- Experience leading service recovery or operational stabilisation initiatives
- Knowledge of AAF 01/06, The Pensions Regulator's General Code or similar governance frameworks
- Experience working with multiple employers, suppliers and internal stakeholders in a pension administration environment
Why is this role exciting now?
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the establishment and successful embedding of Railpen's DC administration team. You'll have the chance to make an immediate impact by helping shape operational processes, strengthen service delivery and build capability within the team. Your expertise will directly contribute to creating a sustainable and high-performing administration function that delivers excellent outcomes for pension scheme members. The work you do during this assignment will leave a lasting legacy long after the transition is complete.
Pension Admin Manager (DC) in Darlington employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and a supportive environment for professional growth. With the opportunity to work closely with the CFO in a high-impact role, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible hybrid working options, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pension Admin Manager (DC) in Darlington
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Railpen.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Railpen might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Pension Admin Manager (DC) in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Railpen will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Railpen. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Railpen confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Railpen.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Railpen that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
