At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage pension benefit operations for a major UK pension fund.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Pension Fund, one of the UK's largest pension funds.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on team development and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pension administration and make a real impact on members' lives.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in pensions or complex operations, with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
The West Midlands Pension Fund is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join us as Head of Benefit Operations, responsible for leading the delivery of a high-performing and customer-focused pension operations service. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Pension Operations, this pivotal leadership role will ensure the effective delivery of pension benefit services for one of the UK’s largest pension funds.
You will lead the planning and delivery of benefit operations, ensuring the service has the capability and capacity to support over 360,000 scheme members, while maintaining best practice standards recognised by the Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA). Working closely with the Fund’s Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering the pension operations strategy, ensuring it supports the Fund’s corporate objectives now and in the future.
About WMPF: WMPF is one of the UK’s largest pension funds providing local authority pension benefits for employees across the West Midlands. We manage and administer the pension interests of over 330,000 scheme members, 800+ employers and currently have over £21 billion in assets under management.
What the day will look like:
- Lead and manage the Fund’s pension benefit operations, ensuring capacity and capability to deliver a high-quality service.
- Drive service development, process improvements and transformation to meet KPIs, customer expectations and regulatory standards.
- Provide high-quality management information and regulatory returns, benchmarking performance and supporting decision-making.
- Oversee escalated case reviews, complaints, and complex member or employer enquiries, including IDRP cases.
- Manage and develop senior managers, with overall responsibility for a team of around 60 employees.
- Lead the Fund’s Delivery Management Committee, ensuring alignment with the Business Plan.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and industry peers, representing the Fund at national and regional level where required.
- Deputise for the Deputy Director of Pension Operations as appropriate.
About you: We are looking for a dynamic leader with:
- A proven track record of senior management and leadership in a pensions or complex operations environment.
- Experience of driving transformation and embedding new processes or systems.
- Strong knowledge of LGPS and pension administration systems, with the ability to interpret regulations and manage compliance.
- Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to manage change and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- The ability to motivate and develop teams, building an inclusive and high‑performing environment.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key leadership role within one of the UK’s largest pension funds, helping to shape the future of pension administration while delivering excellent outcomes for members, employers and stakeholders.
Head of Benefit Operations employer: West Midlands Pension Fund
The West Midlands Pension Fund is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Wolverhampton, with excellent transport links and a commitment to employee development. As a leader in pension operations, we foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation, providing opportunities for professional growth while ensuring a high-quality service for over 360,000 scheme members. Join us to make a meaningful impact in one of the UK's largest pension funds, where your leadership will shape the future of pension administration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Benefit Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pensions and operations field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the West Midlands Pension Fund thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in driving transformation and managing teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and driven process improvements in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop others, as this is crucial for the Head of Benefit Operations position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the West Midlands Pension Fund.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Benefit Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in pension operations and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Benefit Operations, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage teams and drive transformation. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully led teams and improved processes. We love seeing real-life impacts!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the pensions sector, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of all applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Pension Fund
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pension administration systems and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Being able to discuss regulations and compliance confidently will show that you're not just a leader, but a knowledgeable one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex operations environments. Highlight your experience in driving transformation and embedding new processes, as this role requires a dynamic leader who can motivate and develop teams effectively.
✨Understand the Fund's Objectives
Familiarise yourself with the West Midlands Pension Fund's corporate objectives and how the benefit operations strategy aligns with them. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to shaping the future of pension administration during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling escalated case reviews or complex member enquiries. Think through some scenarios where you've successfully managed similar situations, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high-quality service.
