Welcome from Paul McCann
Thank you for your interest in this role.
As the Head of Pensions, I am proud to be leading a successful service which is continuing to grow and flourish, at the same time as looking to the future to ensure we build on our existing reputation.
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 make sure we constantly improve and innovate. Following a 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……
We have created the brand new role of Investment Manager to assist myself as the Head of Pensions and the Principal Investment Manager in developing and implementing the Pension Fund’s investment strategy and governance arrangements. You will play a key role in the delivery of our responsible investment objectives and will ensure that we continue to play a full part in collaborative initiatives including the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership.
This is a really interesting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our successful team and help us to drive forward a focus on responsible investments and climate change, both of which are key areas for the Fund. Whilst we must continue to maximise our assets and income, we must also be aware of the impact of those investments on people and the planet, continuing to develop our wider investment strategy and governance arrangements.
I believe this role will be ideal for those who are looking to make the next step in their career – whilst a background in finance is not essential, I am looking for an individual with a genuine passion for and interest in investments, particularly in responsible investments and climate change. With our guidance we will help set you on a clear path for career development and will support you in terms of obtaining further professional qualifications where necessary. In addition, the role will provide some management responsibility as well as exposure to reporting into the Pension Committee, Local Board, wider pension group and working closely with Border to Coast.
If this brand new role sounds appealing, I would very much like to hear from you. Whether you have a background in investments, pensions, policy or strategy this superb opportunity will provide an excellent platform for an ambitious individual who can fully appreciate the potential of where this role might lead in the longer term.
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.
Ideally, you will have a strong understanding of investments, pensions, strategy or policy 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.
Whilst an investment related qualification (such as CFA, the Investment Management Certificate, or the CFA ESG Investing Certificate) or a fully qualified CCAB Accountant (e.g. CIPFA/CIMA) 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.
