Independent Trustee Director

This authorised and MAF-accredited defined contribution (DC) master-trust, backed by a multi-award winning fast-growth fintech company, is undertaking a recruitment exercise. We welcome and encourage diversity here at Smart and applications are invited from all individuals, provided they meet the requirements of the role as set out below.

Background

Smart Pension Limited operates the Smart Pension Master Trust, a market leading pension solution designed and run to help employers provide a DC workplace pension savings vehicle for their workers. Founded by experienced finance and technology professionals and initially designed to support UK businesses faced with the challenges of auto-enrolment, the business and savings platform has evolved into offering a much broader pension savings proposition, with thousands of satisfied employers, advisers and over one million employees using it. The Trust is overseen by a corporate Trustee company whose board of directors is currently made up of a majority of non-affiliated independent trustees. A vacancy on the board for a new Trustee Director has arisen due to the end of the term of one of the professional Trustee Directors.

We are looking for someone who has exceptional knowledge and experience of:

• Governance
• Audit and assurance reporting
• Pension scheme risk
• Cyber risk

In addition, a strong working knowledge of the following skills will be preferable:

• Cyber opportunities (AI tools)
• Defined contribution investments (including Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG), climate & nature and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI))
• High level understanding of administration operations

Role requirements

Meeting attendance: the successful candidate will be required to attend quarterly Trustee board meetings as well as up to two quarterly Sub-Committee meetings which will include the Audit, Risk and Governance Sub-Committee meetings. Each meeting generally lasts up to four hours (this is subject to requirement and can be longer if necessary). All meetings require preparation and follow-up work. Other ad hoc meetings occur on a regular basis. These include meetings with the Pensions Regulator, training sessions, meetings with the Funder/Strategist to discuss the business plan etc., as the needs of the Scheme dictate. These are typically 2 hours long. The successful candidate will also be expected to provide support on new business tender exercises including pitches where applicable.

Interim work: where possible, all required work and decisions will follow the cycle of Trustee and Sub-Committee meetings. However, there will be times where ‘out of cycle’ and ad-hoc projects arise and discussions and decisions are required. The successful candidate will be expected to be available to vote on these decisions / attend ad-hoc meetings where necessary. You may also be requested to meet service providers (including site visits), attend meetings with prospective clients, members and speaker events, acting as a representative of the Scheme.

Experience

You need to have a strong background in UK pension provision. A high level of technical understanding of all aspects of DC pensions legislation and regulatory requirements is essential, as well as significant knowledge of developing current industry issues. Particular expertise or experience in master trusts, governance, cyber risk and opportunity and DC investments would be highly advantageous. You will have demonstrable experience of acting as a trustee, or have the ability and experience to take on this role. You should have the ability and drive to integrate quickly with the Trustee and get up to speed with current issues and projects. You may be required to take the lead on certain projects.

Fitness and propriety

You should be aware of the elements of the ‘fit and proper’ tests required under TPR’s master-trust authorisation and supervisory regime. An accredited external provider will undertake a review prior to you taking on the role, and on a regular basis whilst you act as a Trustee Director. The appointment is subject to successfully meeting these requirements.

Location

The role is remote-based except for the quarterly main board meetings which are face to face. These take place in our office in central London, close to mainline and underground rail links. (Trustee Sub-Committee meetings are generally remote).

Remuneration

The remuneration for the role will be a market competitive rate that reflects the skills and expertise of the successful applicant. The role will be for a fixed term of 3 years.

Deadline for applications

The deadline for applications is 7 June 2026. Candidates should please share a CV and covering letter. If you are applying on behalf of a professional trustee services firm, please contact us at recruitment@smartpension.co.uk by 15 May 2026 to express your interest and to request our Request For Information document. Applications from interested parties will only be considered if received by this date. We are seeking to finalise this appointment in July 2026 ahead of formal appointment commencing in October 2026.