At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transition and operational readiness for a major transformation programme.
- Company: Join Railpen, a key player in pension administration with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days leave, health plans, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Hybrid working available in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of pension schemes and member experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale transitions and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Intro
Join us as a Transition & Operational Readiness Lead and play a key role in delivering a major transformation programme.
Working on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract, you will lead transition and operational readiness activities across our DC and CARE arrangements, ensuring a safe, controlled and successful bulk transfer and move into our future operating environment.
This role is based in Darlington, with hybrid working available.
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.
The role
As Transition & Operational Readiness Lead, you will own and lead an integrated workstream covering transition planning, business readiness, cut‑over, operating‑model readiness, asset‑transfer activity and post‑go‑live support.
You will develop and maintain integrated transition plans, coordinate readiness activity across programme workstreams and ensure go‑live criteria are agreed and successfully delivered before implementation.
You will also lead the planning and execution of asset‑transfer activities, ensuring accuracy, control and clear governance while minimising operational and member impact.
You will work with colleagues across the business to ensure future operating models, processes, training and communications are in place to support a successful transition and stable operational delivery from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the transition & operational readiness workstream across DC and CARE schemes.
- Developing and managing the DC bulk‑transfer transition, readiness and cut‑over plans.
- Coordinating asset‑transfer and reconciliation activities.
- Defining and tracking minimum go‑live criteria.
- Leading end‑to‑end transition rehearsals and readiness assessments.
- Managing programme risks, dependencies and contingency planning.
- Supporting colleague readiness through training, operational documentation and knowledge transfer.
- Leading hyper‑care activities following implementation to support a smooth transition into business‑as‑usual operations.
- The person
You will be a highly organised and experienced programme professional who can bring together multiple workstreams, stakeholders and operational activities to deliver successful business change.
You have experience working within pensions administration and delivering large‑scale transition, operational readiness or cut‑over programmes, ideally within DC and CARE environments.
Requirements
- Experience leading large‑scale transition, migration, cut‑over or operational readiness activities, ideally within DC and CARE pension environments, including DC bulk transfers, asset transitions or platform migrations.
- Strong knowledge of pension administration, ideally including DC and CARE schemes.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organisation.
- Strong planning, governance and delivery management capability.
- Experience managing risks, dependencies and critical programme milestones.
- Ability to simplify complex challenges and develop practical, effective solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience supporting business readiness, training or change initiatives.
- Collaborative, proactive and outcome‑focused approach with a proven track record of successful delivery.
Benefits
- A competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Defined contribution pension
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
- Private medical insurance
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
To be successful you will combine strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery, bringing energy, pragmatism and a focus on achieving successful outcomes for members, colleagues and the wider business.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment. We value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Transition & Operational Readiness Lead 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.
