At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and stabilise a new DC pension administration team while enhancing 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 team with a focus on continuous improvement and member satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping operational processes and delivering excellent outcomes for members.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in DC pension administration and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 44550 - 54450 £ per year.
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, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the meaningful mission of safeguarding the financial futures of the rail industry. Located in Darlington, this role provides a unique opportunity to be part of a team that values integrity and community, ensuring a rewarding career path for finance professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pension Admin Manager (DC) in Darlington
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Railpen.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Railpen looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Pension Admin Manager (DC) in Darlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Railpen and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Railpen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
