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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and enhancement of Railpen’s Defined Contribution proposition.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, bonus plan, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pensions and make a real impact on members' retirement journeys.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in DC pensions, leadership experience, and strategic communication skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Defined Contribution (DC) Proposition to join our Trustee Fiduciary Services team based in either our Darlington or London office (hybrid working) on a permanent basis.
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 role is an incredible opportunity to play a key role in shaping Railpen’s DC future. As the Head of DC Proposition, this role will lead the design, development and ongoing enhancement of Railpen’s DC proposition, ensuring it remains member-centric, well-governed and compliant with regulatory expectations. This is a senior, strategic role requiring technical expertise across DC investment, governance, regulation and administration. You will act as a subject-matter expert to trustees, Railpen committees, and senior internal stakeholders, ensuring the DC proposition is aligned with organisational strategy and best practice. This role is classified as a ‘Certified Person’ under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and will therefore be subject to the additional requirements prescribed by the FCA. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The person
We are looking for someone with deep expertise across Defined Contribution (DC) pensions who can help shape and strengthen our DC proposition for the future. The ideal candidate will bring a vast understanding of DC investment principles, governance requirements, TPR codes, VFM frameworks and regulatory expectations, alongside experience within a Master Trust environment and a sound knowledge of DC administration. They will have proven leadership experience working with Trustees, committees, senior executives and cross‑functional teams, and a track record of delivering complex DC change initiatives in a cross-functional environment. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative and approachable leader who thrives in complexity and excels at translating technical detail into clear communication for stakeholders at every level. They will bring the ability to influence, inspire and secure genuine buy‑in across the organisation, helping drive meaningful progress and aligned decision‑making. They will play a key role in shaping exceptional member experiences, working closely with our Member Services team to enhance engagement, guidance, planning tools and the overall retirement journey. Above all, we are looking for someone with passion, purpose and a commitment to helping us secure our members. 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, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer you
- A competitive salary
- 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
- Health & Wellbeing
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
- Support for hybrid and flexible working along with 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 for the apply button or visit Careers Page by Friday 27th February 2026. 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 DC Proposition in Valley employer: Railpen
Contact Detail:
Railpen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of DC Proposition in Valley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Railpen’s values and culture, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to showcase your expertise in DC pensions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and get comfortable discussing your experience. We believe that being well-prepared can make all the difference in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. We’re all about making a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of DC Proposition in Valley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job specs. Highlight your experience in Defined Contribution pensions and how it aligns with what we're looking for at Railpen.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on demonstrating your deep knowledge of DC investment principles and governance. We want to see how your expertise can shape our DC proposition for the future.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role. We appreciate clarity as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure you apply through our Careers Page. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Know Your DC Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Defined Contribution (DC) principles, governance requirements, and regulatory expectations. Brush up on the latest trends in DC investment and be ready to discuss how these can shape Railpen’s future.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in cross-functional teams. Think about times when you've influenced stakeholders or led complex change initiatives, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Railpen's Values
Familiarise yourself with Railpen’s values of integrity, community, and alignment. Be ready to demonstrate how you embody these values in your work and how they guide your decision-making process.
✨Engage with Member-Centric Strategies
Think about how you can enhance member experiences through engagement and planning tools. Prepare to discuss innovative ideas that could improve the retirement journey for members, showing your commitment to their needs.