Operations Lead Pensions Management

Dalriada Trustees Ltd; Manchester, London, Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

About Us

We are an award winning independent professional trustee firm, part of an integrated group of privately owned companies including Spence & Partners Ltd, Mantle Services Ltd, and Mantle Hosting Ltd, a pension software provider. Since our inception, we have grown to be one of the largest independent professional trustee companies in the UK. We provide trusteeship services to schemes with complex backgrounds, such as those sponsored by employers in financial distress or engaged in wind-up/PPF assessment. We support accredited pensions trusteeship qualifications for all our professional trustees, aiming to provide high-quality professional service through strong personal relationships. We operate from offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Bristol, Leeds, and Birmingham, serving clients throughout the UK and Ireland.

As our pensions management business continues to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and highly organized leader to drive the strategic and operational management of our pensions management function while maintaining hands-on client engagement.

Reporting to the Head of Pension’s Management, this newly created position offers a unique blend of leadership and client service delivery, ensuring that the team operates efficiently, governance standards are upheld, and client commitments are met to the highest standard. As the Operations Lead for Pensions Management, you will shape the function’s strategy, lead a high-performing team, and contribute to the commercial growth of the business.

The role requires a balanced approach, with an anticipated 70/30 split between operational leadership and direct client engagement. This dual focus will enable you to drive continuous improvement and enhance service delivery while maintaining direct involvement with key client relationships.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader with deep pensions expertise, strong people management skills, and a passion for driving high standards across both internal operations and client service.

About You

You are a leader with enthusiasm for driving operational excellence through high-quality standards, empowering colleagues to fulfil their potential and deliver the best outcomes for the business. You work on your own initiative and are a highly organized and motivated manager who completes tasks on time using proven project management skills.

You build relationships internally and externally with senior individuals and have the gravitas to be a respected and influential team member. As part of the senior management team, you are a collaborative player focused on achieving desired outcomes for people, the team, and the business, setting and expecting the highest standards of work and professionalism.

You will have broad industry experience, with at least 10 years of relevant pensions experience and an excellent understanding of UK pensions legislation, regulation, and Codes of Practice. Experience of managing a geographically distributed team through periods of change and growth would be an advantage.

Responsibilities & Criteria

The key responsibilities for this role include:

• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to the strategic leadership and direction of the team, shaping the operating model for the newly expanded team.
• People Management: Provide effective management of the team, including setting objectives, mentoring, and performance reviews.
• Recruitment: Responsible for staff recruitment, identifying staffing gaps, and overseeing the onboarding of new team members.
• Robust Governance: Ensure compliance with professional and technical standards, managing controls related to AAF02/07, ISO 27001, GDPR, and others.
• Business Objectives: Support the team to meet business objectives set by the board.
• Input into Group Boards: Provide input to the 3173 Group Company Boards regarding the team.
• Dalriada Operational Board: Represent the team on the Dalriada Operational Board.
• Delivery of Pensions Management Services: Ensure delivery of governance services to a portfolio of clients.
• Business Development: Participate in new business development by identifying opportunities and drafting proposals.

As the ideal candidate, you will demonstrate:

• Broad industry experience with a minimum of 10 years in pensions management or related fields.
• Experience in senior strategic and operational leadership positions.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to manage workflows, budgeting, and financial performance.
• Track record of business development and client engagement.
• Experience of strategic business planning and operational improvements.
• Proven leadership and management of teams.

Behavioural competencies for the role:

• Inspiring Leadership: A strong role model who sets high professional standards.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align operational functions with the overall business strategy.
• Operational Excellence: A track record of driving continuous improvement.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to analyse complex situations and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills.
• Professional Integrity: Maintains high levels of professionalism and confidentiality.

All individuals are expected to meet the above competencies and evidence how they meet each of them in their role.