At a Glance
- Tasks: Use your actuarial skills to influence UK pensions policy and contribute to impactful research.
- Company: Join the Pensions Policy Institute, a leading independent research organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pensions policy while developing your technical modelling expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in a quantitative field and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a commitment to evidence-based research.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 53000 £ per year.
Organisation: Pensions Policy Institute (PPI)
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £49,000- £53,000 per annum
Type: Permanent - Full Time
Use your actuarial modelling skills to influence pensions policy. The Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst with strong quantitative and modelling skills to join our integrated research team. This is a unique opportunity for an actuarial or pensions professional to apply technical modelling expertise to some of the most important questions facing the UK pensions system. You will help maintain and develop the PPI’s modelling suite, ensuring the robustness of analytical outputs while contributing to influential research that informs policymakers, regulators and industry leaders.
About the role:
- Maintaining and operating the PPI’s pensions modelling suite
- Undertaking quality assurance of modelling outputs
- Supporting the development of new analytical approaches and modelling insights
- Contributing to research publications and policy reports
- Helping communicate research findings to stakeholders across government, regulators and industry
This is a rare opportunity to combine technical modelling work with real policy influence.
Who this role may suit:
- Actuarial analysts or part-qualified actuaries
- Professionals working in pensions consulting or pensions analytics
- Individuals studying towards Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) or PMI qualifications
- Quantitative professionals interested in pensions policy and research
About the Pensions Policy Institute:
The Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) is an independent research organisation with a reputation for producing authoritative and objective analysis of pensions policy in the UK. Our work informs policymakers, regulators, pension providers and industry leaders, helping shape debates around the future of retirement provision.
The PPI models:
- A model of hypothetical individuals
- A model of aggregate State Pension expenditure and private pension contributions
- A distributional model of pensioners’ incomes
- A dynamic model of projected survey individuals
- An economic scenario generator for creating stochastic scenarios
Most models are spreadsheet-based with some elements programmed in Visual Basic.
Essential skills and experience:
- Strong analytical ability and experience working with quantitative data.
- Ability to interpret complex modelling outputs and explain them clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience drafting research reports, briefings, articles or analytical materials for various audiences.
- Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, integrated research team.
- Experience maintaining or developing modelling code (e.g., spreadsheets, Visual Basic, Python or similar).
- Experience applying quality assurance processes to modelling work.
- Strong technical skills in model documentation, coding standards and data validation.
- Experience mentoring colleagues on modelling techniques or improving data quality.
- Experience contributing to the development of modelling assumptions or supporting model governance.
- Experience presenting analytical findings to external audiences.
- Experience with pensions, long-term savings, or economic/social policy datasets.
- Experience working with Government, industry or academic analysts.
Essential qualifications:
- A degree or MSc in a relevant quantitative or analytical discipline (e.g., economics, statistics, mathematics, actuarial science, data science, public policy), or demonstrably equivalent professional experience gained through analytical, modelling, or technical roles.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting funding bids or research specifications.
Personal Qualities:
- Commitment to the PPI’s independent, evidence-based approach to research.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high quality outputs.
- Clear and confident communicator.
- Positive, proactive and solution-focused approach.
- Willingness to contribute broadly within a small team.
How to apply:
Closing date for applications: We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early applications, as candidates who meet the essential criteria may be invited to interview before the vacancy closes. Closing date: 02 April 2026. Interviews: Interviews will primarily be held on our scheduled dates, with the possibility of earlier interviews for applicants who meet the essential criteria. Interview dates: 8–9 April 2026. Please inform us if you intend to be away during this period.
How to apply:
- A cover letter (no more than two A4 sides) telling us about yourself with:
- How you meet the responsibilities and skills required for the role.
- Your motivation for applying for the role and how you would benefit the PPI.
- Your notice period.
- A CV detailing your work experience to enable an initial assessment of your suitability for the role.
As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete an assessment. We can accept videos or recordings for those who have difficulty typing. If you require any reasonable adjustments during this recruitment process, please get in touch to discuss this in more detail.
To apply your actuarial expertise where it can influence real-world pensions policy, hit the ‘Apply’ button below! Join the Pensions Policy Institute and help shape the future of retirement provision in the UK.
Senior Policy Analyst – Pensions Modelling (Actuarial / Quantitative Role) employer: The Actuary
Contact Detail:
The Actuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Analyst – Pensions Modelling (Actuarial / Quantitative Role)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the pensions and actuarial fields on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Pensions Policy Institute and understand their modelling tools. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your analytical prowess.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! If you’ve worked on relevant projects or have insights into pensions policy, consider writing articles or blog posts. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our careers page for new opportunities and updates. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Analyst – Pensions Modelling (Actuarial / Quantitative Role)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Don’t forget to express your motivation for joining us at the PPI and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to showcase relevant experience in actuarial modelling and pensions policy. Highlight any quantitative skills and projects that demonstrate your analytical prowess. We want to see what makes you a perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application materials clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex concepts, especially if you're discussing modelling outputs. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as technical skill!
Apply Early!: We review applications on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute! Applying early not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a better chance of being considered for an interview. Hit that ‘Apply’ button on our website today!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Actuary
✨Know Your Models Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the PPI’s modelling suite and the specific models mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used similar models in your previous roles and how you can contribute to maintaining and developing these tools.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves explaining complex modelling outputs to both technical and non-technical audiences, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated analytical findings in the past.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your strong analytical ability. Think of specific instances where you’ve interpreted complex data or applied quality assurance processes. Highlight your experience with coding standards and data validation as well.
✨Express Your Passion for Pensions Policy
The PPI values a commitment to evidence-based research. Share your motivation for wanting to work in pensions policy and how your background aligns with their mission. Show enthusiasm for contributing to influential research that shapes the future of retirement provision.