Full job descriptionPositive Employment is currently recruiting for a Pension Fund Risk Manager for our client, a local government organisation based in Wiltshire.
The successful post holder will be responsible for proactively managing the risks associated with the Pension Fund’s employer base, ensuring effective monitoring of employer contributions, financial solvency and covenant risk. The role will act as the lead adviser on employer-related pension matters, managing significant employer changes, supporting the Fund’s long-term financial sustainability and maintaining strong relationships with over 170 scheme employers.
This role is a permanent position. This role is hybrid working.
Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:
*Proactively manage employer-related risks across the Pension Fund, identifying emerging issues and escalating significant risks where appropriate.
*Monitor employer contribution payments, ensuring contributions are received accurately and on time and supporting robust financial controls.
*Assess employer solvency and covenant risk, identifying organisations with increased financial risk and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
*Manage the admission of new employers into the Pension Fund, providing expert advice on legislation, funding arrangements, guarantees, bonds and pension-related outsourcing matters.
*Lead employer cessation processes, managing all financial, legislative and administrative requirements, including debt arrangements and cessation valuations.
*Provide specialist pensions advice on employer reorganisations, mergers, demergers and bulk transfers, working closely with actuaries and stakeholders to deliver compliant solutions.
*Maintain and apply employer-related policies, including the Funding Strategy Statement, New Employer Policy, Employer Cessation Policy and Employer Charging Policy.
*Build and maintain strong relationships with scheme employers, providing expert advice on actuarial, financial and pension risk matters.
*Deliver presentations, funding updates, guidance and training to employers on pension-related issues and legislative requirements.
*Maintain employer contribution schedules, ensuring alignment with actuarial guidance and supporting accurate contribution reconciliations.
*Support employer engagement activities and provide cover for employer liaison functions where required.
*Develop and maintain employer risk management processes, monitoring covenant strength, funding risks and emerging national policy or economic developments affecting the Pension Fund.
*Identify and manage employer cessation risks, advising organisations on available options and supporting informed decision-making.
*Support the delivery of the Pension Fund’s triennial valuation, working with actuaries and employers to agree contribution rates and funding arrangements.
*Maintain and continually develop the employer database, ensuring high-quality data is available to support actuarial valuations and financial management.
*Supervise and support the Employer Engagement and Training Officer, providing guidance and cover where required.
*Produce reports, recommendations and management information to support decision-making and effective risk management across the Pension Fund.
Personal Requirements:
*Degree or relevant professional qualification such as IPPM, PMI, CII or a related discipline, or the ability to demonstrate equivalent skills and experience.
*Understanding of the principles of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
*At least three years’ post-qualification pensions experience, including decision-making and management responsibilities.
*Experience supporting and managing client relationships.
*Experience working within a complex environment involving financial management and competing priorities.
*Proven track record of delivering successful outcomes in a complex operational environment.
*Excellent knowledge of defined benefit pension schemes and the operational, administrative and financial aspects of pension service delivery.
*Understanding of the challenges affecting service delivery within local authorities.
*Ability to motivate colleagues, support organisational change and work collaboratively across teams.
*Strong IT skills, including advanced spreadsheet skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
*Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
*Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
*Familiarity with database applications.
Working Hours: Full Time Hours, Monday to Friday.
Salary: £57,665.00 per annum + Benefits.