At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of pensions services through digital innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on enhancing member experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of pensions administration with cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in pensions or large-scale operations required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Great opportunity to join us in our Outsourcing GB line of business as Head of Pension Services & Digital Operations. Reporting to the Head of Outsourcing GB (OGB), the Head of Pension Services & Digital Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic, operational, and future state specification / transformation of WTW’s digital first pensions administration. The role blends operational excellence with digital innovation, overseeing service delivery and transformation initiatives across the UK, India, and Philippines delivery footprint. It ensures the delivery of consistent, high quality pension administration while advancing member self-service adoption, simplifying processes, and championing automation and platform modernisation to enhance administrator, member and client experiences.
A core part of this role is transforming the Service Centre proposition and Administration operating model through the implementation of innovative technology and AI— streamlining processes reducing manual effort and embedding intelligent automation to focus on member experience which in turn boost efficiency, reduces cost to serve, and increases scalability. As a senior operational and digital leader, you will shape strategy, be responsible for the specification of technical changes, and define the future direction of end-to-end pension services across Outsourcing GB.
Another critical element of the role is providing senior leadership and direction during complex client situations, including rapid troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and timely resolution of high priority escalations. You will function as a key escalation point for senior clients and internal stakeholders, safeguarding operational stability and maintaining trust and service confidence.
- Leadership
Lead the end-to-end delivery of high-quality pensions administration services across Outsourcing GB, ensuring accuracy, compliance, timeliness, and contractual performance. Own the operational strategy and proposition for member and client services, aligned to organisational goals, regulatory obligations and ensuring the operation is resilient. Provide direct reporting management to senior leadership team, with matrix accountability for large, multi location operations across the UK, India, and the Philippines, consistent with roles overseeing a workforce of approximately 1,500 colleagues. Function as a senior operational figurehead in key client interactions, supporting retention, satisfaction, and growth.
- Digital Enablement & Transformation
Develop and build an Operating Model that promotes member digital‑first interactions by defining operational requirements and recommending enhancements to Technology and Product teams, then leading Operations through the resulting change. Shape & execute the strategic direction of OGBs high performing, multichannel Service Centre operation, driving the evolution of the service proposition through intelligent technologies, AI enabled capabilities, and continuous improvement. Partner with Technology, Product, and Platform teams by identifying required improvements, specifying operational needs, and shaping technology change requests, ensuring that solutions delivered by these teams meet the needs of Operations. The role does not own the technology delivery itself, but is accountable for driving successful adoption across administration teams. Champion simplification initiatives, enabling frictionless customer journeys and reducing manual processes. Sponsor digital and operation components of major transformation programmes, including platform upgrades, onboarding accelerators, and AI assisted operations.
- AI, Digital & Technology Enabled Transformation
Act as the voice of Operations, providing clear specifications, user requirements, and improvement proposals to Technology and Product teams, ensuring development priorities reflect operational realities. Drive the specification and operational integration of AI‑enabled tools—working with Technology and Product teams who own the platforms—ensuring administration teams are prepared, trained, and structured to adopt and embed new capabilities. Partner with Technology and Digital Enablement teams to design and implement new tools that streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and enhance decision support. Embed automation to improve accuracy, reduce repeat contacts, and drive consistent experiences across channels (phone, web, chat, email).
- Strategic Leadership & Growth
Be a leading voice to the long-range business strategy for OGB. Identify and drive new service opportunities supporting revenue growth and margin improvement. Sponsor the operational change elements of transformation programmes by setting clear operational requirements, influencing solution design, and leading adoption activities, while Technology and Product teams own technical delivery. Partner with other Lines of Business to leverage firm wide opportunities.
- Client Escalation & Resolution
Provide senior oversight and leadership during complex or sensitive client escalations, ensuring swift, structured, and effective resolution. Lead rapid troubleshooting and root cause analysis for high priority issues, embedding corrective and preventative actions into operational teams. Function as the primary escalation point for senior clients and stakeholders regarding Administration performance, maintaining clear, timely and transparent communication throughout issue resolution. Establish and continuously refine escalation pathways, governance, and response standards to improve operational resilience and client confidence. Partner with Technology, Client Services, and Operations leadership to address systemic issues, ensuring learnings translate into service and digital improvement initiatives. Monitor escalation trends and service risks, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen processes, controls, and digital capabilities that minimise future incidents.
- Excellence
Instil, through being a strong role model, best practice operational leadership behaviours throughout OGB operations & actively develop the operations leadership group. Support and accelerate a Continuous Improvement culture and supporting behaviours within OGB operations; promote and sponsor improvement activities within the business to drive progression towards better working practices and performance. Develop and maintain effective process governance and controls to ensure that operational activities are being conducted consistently within and across teams and in line with business best practice and appropriate regulation.
- People
Provide strong operational leadership to the business at all levels and across departments to deliver the required business performance. Develop systems to ensure staff are developed at all levels of Operations to enable successful operations performance. Conduct performance/appraisal reviews and where necessary initiate performance management. Manage career development for allocated business unit teams, to include coaching, mentoring, leading and monitoring. Motivate and reward to retain key individuals. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure high levels of service are achieved.
- Qualifications
What you’ll bring: Extensive leadership experience in pensions administration or largescale financial/regulated operations. Experience shaping and specifying technology requirements for operational tools and platforms, with a track record of turning operational insight into clear, actionable change requests. Demonstrated ability to lead teams through technology‑driven change without directly owning technical delivery. Ability to assess digital maturity, identify capability gaps, and shape a multi year roadmap for digital transformation. Data driven mindset with experience interpreting performance insights and operational metrics. Proven experience managing high priority client escalations, including rapid issue assessment, structured troubleshooting, and timely resolution. Track record of acting as a senior escalation point for clients and internal stakeholders, maintaining confidence through clear communication and decisive leadership. Strong leadership and influencing skills; extensive experience of leading others through change. Engaging personal style and a cultural fit within the existing leadership team.
- What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You will receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@wtwco.com.
Head of Pensions Services & Digital Operations in Redhill employer: Willis Towers Watson
WTW is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and a defined contribution pension scheme with matched contributions. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, encouraging hybrid working options and providing opportunities for career development through coaching and mentoring, all while championing digital transformation in the pensions administration sector across a diverse global footprint.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pensions Services & Digital Operations in Redhill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the pensions and digital operations space. Attend industry events or 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 company’s recent projects and challenges in pensions administration. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around digital transformation and operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve led teams through change or resolved complex client issues. Highlight your ability to drive strategic initiatives and improve service delivery.
✨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 joining our team and contributing to our mission in pensions services and digital operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pensions Services & Digital Operations in Redhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in pensions administration and digital operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Experience:As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Share examples of how you've led teams through change or managed complex client situations. This will help us see your potential fit within our leadership team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity as it reflects your communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson
✨Know Your Digital Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in digital pensions administration. Be ready to discuss how you've previously driven digital transformation and what tools or technologies you've used to enhance member experiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your experience in managing escalations and how you maintained client confidence during challenging times.
✨Understand the Operational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the operational strategies that align with organisational goals. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and performance across multi-location operations, particularly in the UK, India, and the Philippines.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to troubleshoot complex issues quickly and effectively, and be ready to share those stories.