Pensions Modelling Actuary in Galashiels

Join a collaborative team to design advanced Excel-based pension calculators that safeguard compliance and deliver trusted results. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is an Agency of the Scottish Government, administering pensions, premature retirement, and injury benefits schemes for employees of the National Health Service in Scotland (NHSSS), the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme (STSS), the Fire Scotland Pension Scheme, and the Police Scotland Pension Scheme. The Pensions Modelling Actuary will support business objectives in line with the McCloud Remedy.

Role Overview

As a Pension Modelling Actuary, you will design, build, and maintain highly complex pension calculators that support Remedy implementation and other pension scheme calculations. You will apply your expertise in UK and Scottish pension regulations to ensure compliance, accuracy, and sustainability. Advanced use of Microsoft Excel will be required to create robust, auditable solutions that integrate seamlessly with our existing pension and automation systems. Working closely with actuaries, policy teams, and external advisers, you will provide technical leadership, documentation, and assurance to reduce reliance on Subject Matter Experts and future-proof our processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain advanced spreadsheet-based pension calculators, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and auditability.
• Apply knowledge of UK/Scottish pensions legislation and Remedy regulations to ensure calculators are correct and compliant.
• Document calculation methodologies and tool structures to support knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with actuaries, policy colleagues, administrators, and external advisers (e.g., GAD).
• Support validation, testing, and assurance of calculations to minimise error and reduce audit/legal risks.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to colleagues, acting as an internal expert resource.
• Contribute to programme MI and reporting through accurate calculation outputs and analysis.
• Ensure calculators are adaptable to future scheme or legislative changes.

Qualifications

• Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) or equivalent actuarial professional body (Essential).
• Expert-level Microsoft Excel skills (advanced formulae, VBA, and modelling best practice).

Success Profile

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Proven ability to design and deliver complex pension or financial models.
• Expert-level Microsoft Excel skills.

Experience:

• Experience of UK or Scottish public service pension schemes and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with actuarial calculations, pensions policy, or financial modelling.

Behaviours (Level 4):

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions

How to Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words demonstrating how you meet the skills, experience, and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Stage one (application sift): Candidates will have their applications assessed against all success profile criteria listed above unless there is a large number of applications, in which case a specific process will apply. An initial sift will be conducted using the CV and supporting statement on the Lead Criterion Technical Skill – Proven ability to design and deliver complex pension or financial models. Candidates who pass the initial sift will be fully assessed against the remaining Behaviours and Technical and Experience criterion.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism will result in withdrawal of applications and may lead to disciplinary action for internal candidates. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 9th or 16th March 2026, however this may be subject to change.

About the Agency

The Scottish Public Pensions Agency administers pension schemes for over 600,000 key workers and manages an annual pension spend of more than £3 billion. Working Pattern: Standard hours are 35 hours per week. This senior role uses a hybrid working model, with two days per week in-person attendance required for leadership visibility, collaboration, and team connection. While regular office attendance is required for all staff, candidates based further afield are encouraged to discuss arrangements. This is a fixed-term appointment for 18 months.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), which includes checks for identity, right to work, employment history, and a criminal record check (unspent convictions).

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. We provide recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information

For further details on the agency, staff benefits, and the application process, consult the Careers Website or the Candidate Guide. A reserve list for this post will be held for 12 months. Please contact Mike Batchelor (Michael.Batchelor@gov.scot) for additional information. Apply before 1st March 2026 (23:59).