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Investment Manager

Salary: £54,707 per annum plus benefits and relocation allowance

South Tyneside Council (as Administering Authority for the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund)

Welcome from Paul McCann

Thank you for your interest in this role.

As the new Head of Pensions, I am very much looking forward to leading the service and continuing to build on our track record of success.

Serving more than 200 active employers, the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund is already a high achieving Fund; it is the fourth largest Local Government Pension Fund in England and Wales and is currently valued at £12.5 billion.  It has around 175,000 members, including the five councils within the Tyne and Wear County area and Northumberland County Council.

However, we are not complacent, and we are looking to build on our existing reputation, as we seek to constantly improve and innovate. Following a recent restructure in 2020 we are looking to rise to the challenge of meeting the increasing demands of the Local Government Pension Scheme as well as the wider pensions industry. As we look to continue this journey that is where you come in……

I am looking forward to recruiting a new Principal Governance and Funding Manager who will further develop our ambition and who will plan, implement and maintain our funding strategy as well as driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that appropriate governance arrangements are in place.  This is a strategic and very high profile role which sits across the entirety of the pension fund and has significant responsibility for the running of the pensions service overall. It will provide you with significant autonomy and considerable delegated authority and will involve regular interaction with the most senior stakeholders, both within the council and beyond.

If this fast paced commercial role sounds appealing, I would very much like to hear from you. Whether you have a background in pensions, finance or law, this superb role will provide an excellent platform for an ambitious individual who can fully appreciate the potential of where this role might take you in the longer term. Governance is still very much an emerging area within the pensions sector and as such, this is an opportunity to be part of an innovative, forward thinking team.

Fundamentally, I believe this is a fascinating opportunity, which will appeal to an enthusiastic and ambitious individual who can see the genuine potential of being able to play a pivotal leadership role at this very exciting time.

We are strong performing authority, with stable political leadership, and talented teams providing the platform to have a fulfilling, challenging and successful career in a beautiful and accessible region.

I hope that this role will pique your interest levels, and that the information below will provide as much detail as you require. However, I would welcome conversations with candidates who would like to learn a little more from me. Please liaise with our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution who will be able to arrange a conversation.

Thank you and I look forward to receiving your application.

 


Paul McCann, Head of Pensions, Tyne and Wear Pension Fund

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job title: Principal Governance and Funding Manager
Location: South Shields / Hybrid working
Contract: Full-time / Permanent
Salary: £76,925 per annum plus benefits and relocation allowance

Following a restructure in 2020, the Governance and Funding Team was created following the merger with Northumberland County Council and is considered to be a team with growing stature.

This is an important role which has responsibility for the funding strategy for the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund (the Pension Fund) and for monitoring and improving its’ governance arrangements. Forming a key part of the senior management team, you will work closely alongside the Head of Pensions, Principal Pensions Manager and Principal Investment Manager in shaping the overall strategic direction for the service.  You will also work closely with the Fund Actuary and play a key role in setting the employer contribution rates as well as continuing to monitor their performance.

In brief, you will:

  • plan, implement and maintain the funding strategy and ensure that the Pension Fund valuations are successfully delivered
  • assist the Head of Pensions in ensuring that appropriate governance arrangements are in place at the Pension Fund.
  • provide an oversight and compliance function for the Pension Fund and ensure that appropriate policy documentation and records of compliance and breaches are maintained
  • develop, monitor and maintain a contracts register and plan and deliver procurement exercises that meet service requirements
  • manage and control the overall risk framework for the Pension Fund
  • manage the Governance and Funding Office (including the Pension Fund legal team).
  • assist and deputise for the Head of Pensions on funding, valuation, governance related matters and contribute to the overall strategic management of the Pensions Service

The role will require strong management and leadership skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and motivate others, leading by example.

Demonstrating passion and enthusiasm, you will have substantial experience of working at a senior level within a pensions, local government, audit, regulatory or financial environment. You will have the ability to plan and manage multiple concurrent projects and to set strategy so as to ensure successful implementation, and to provide a framework for the continuous improvement of the Pensions Service.

Ideally you will have a strong understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations and associated legislation, including knowledge of the current issues and regulatory environment affecting a local government pension fund.

Your success in this role will rely on your ability to communicate confidently and effectively with a variety of different stakeholders, both internally and externally, who will have varying degrees of understanding of the pensions world. Knowing which language to adopt in order to ensure your message is understood will be very important.

Finally, whilst a recognised professional qualification in pensions or a degree or equivalent is desirable, it is not essential as long as you can lead with credibility and demonstrate a compelling background.

In return you will be welcomed by a progressive, friendly and talented team. We encourage productive, flexible working and we will provide you with the technology you need to work from our office in South Shields and from home.

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially make life a bit easier. From career average employer contribution pension scheme, a car leasing scheme, cycle schemes, and gym discounts.

Contact us and apply now

For an informal confidential discussion about these opportunities, please contact Leanne Auton on 07815 028548 or email Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk from our recruitment partners -  The Resourcing Solution.

Apply

To apply you can either complete the attached application form here or alternatively provide us with your CV including a supporting statement in one Microsoft Word document. To apply please send your CV including a supporting statement or application form in one Microsoft Word document to Sophie Smith by emailing Sophie.Smith2@northyorks.gov.uk

It is important that your CV includes: your full contact details (telephone, email, address), full employment history (name of employer, job titles, dates of employment and salary), full education history (qualification, grade, dates and place of study), explanation of any gaps in employment and the contact details of at least two referees including your current / most recent employer indicating whether you consent to us contacting each referee prior to interview. Please also provide details of your current salary and notice period.
Your supporting statement should outline your motivation for applying and how you meet the criteria for the role.

South Tyneside Council (as Administering Authority for the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund) is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.

We will not accept applications from agencies.

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