Welcome from Neil Sellstrom
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 over £14 billion. It has over 190,000 members, including the five councils within the Tyne and Wear County area and Northumberland County Council.
We have announced a pensions administration shared service with the Teesside Pension Fund. This will see the Tyne and Wear Pension Fund providing pensions administration services for the Teesside Pension Fund, its members and employers. The shared service will be one of the largest operations in the Local Government Pension Scheme and this makes it a very exciting time to join us.
Despite our continued success, we are not complacent, and we are looking to build on our existing reputation, as we seek to constantly improve and innovate. 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 are looking forward to recruiting a new Investment Manager who will further develop and implement the Pension Fund’s investment strategy and governance arrangements. You will play a key role in the delivery of our local investment ambitions. A key requirement of the Governments ‘Fit for the Future’ consultation is around increasing local investments. We are passionate about the North East region and working alongside key stakeholders we are looking to increase our investment presence in the area and develop investment solutions with Border to Coast. In addition, as we progress our asset pooling journey the importance of monitoring and oversight cannot be understated, and this role will form a leading part of that process through direct interaction with Border to Coast investment colleagues.
This is a really interesting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our successful team and help us to drive forward a focus on high quality oversight and developing local investments, 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, hence we will also maintain our strong responsible investment approach through sound stewardship and continued collaboration with Border to Coast and the wider LGPS.
This role is ideal for someone ready to take the next step in their career. While a background in finance is not essential, I’m looking for someone with a genuine interest in investments—particularly local investment and investment oversight. With our support, you’ll be guided along a clear path for career development, including opportunities to gain professional qualifications where needed.
The role offers management responsibility, exposure to reporting into the Pension Committee, Local Pension Board, and wider pension groups, and close collaboration with Border to Coast. Whether your background is in finance, investments, pensions, policy, or strategy, this is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who sees the long-term potential of this role.
You’ll be joining a high-performing authority and a passionate, driven team. I’m actively seeking someone who could grow into a future Principal Investment Manager. I’ll offer you my full support and guidance to help you build a fulfilling, challenging, and successful career—right here 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.
Neil Sellstrom, Principal Investment Manager
You will be educated to degree level or equivalent and ideally 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 stakeholders, both internally and externally, tailoring your approach to suit different levels of understanding and engagement.
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. What matters most is your ability to lead with credibility, backed by a compelling track record in investments, pensions, or finance, and a strong understanding of the regulatory environment affecting local government pension funds.
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.
