Head of Pensions and Treasury

The Head of Pensions & Treasury is the lead officer for the in-house pensions team that manages the Local Government Pension Scheme and provides outstanding leadership and direction on all pension-related issues to the Council.

You will manage the team that has day-to-day accountability for the implementation of pension policy and oversight of external service providers including investment managers, third-party administrators, consultants, and advisors.

Role Purpose

The Head of Pensions & Treasury is the lead officer for the in-house pensions team that manages the Local Government Pension Scheme and provides outstanding leadership and direction on all pension-related issues to the Council.

You will manage the team that has day-to-day accountability for the implementation of pension policy and oversight of external service providers including investment managers, third-party administrators, consultants, and advisors.

Responsibilities

1. Lead on the strategy development and implementation responsibilities of the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pensions Board.
2. Undertake effective governance of the Pension Fund including strategy implementation through the development of corporate governance arrangements, risk management and reporting frameworks, and corporate decision-making arrangements.
3. Oversee the effective administration of LGPS membership arrangements including meeting key performance targets, resourcing, and compliance.
4. Ensure that all activities comply with the council's constitution, Standing Orders, financial regulations, health and safety, and safeguarding responsibilities and that effective systems operate to manage performance and risk.
5. Interpret and implement legislative and regulatory requirements including The Pension Regulator's Code of Practices.
6. Lead on the closure of the Pension Fund accounts, support the external audit opinion, and deliver appropriate financial returns.
7. Deliver an effective system of financial controls for all pension-related activity.
8. Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the Treasury Strategy, Policies, and Procedures.
9. Continually reassess the Council's treasury position in light of current developments both within the Council's capital programme and within financial markets generally to optimize its position in relation to long-term financing options.

Requirements

1. Previous experience of managing/administering a defined benefit pension fund (preferably within an LGPS environment) and a good knowledge of defined benefit pension schemes and other legislation that affects the LGPS.
2. Experience of working with various stakeholders involved in the management and administration of occupational pension schemes.
3. Knowledge of the major issues facing local government pension arrangements, understanding of the national policy context, requirements, and future direction.
4. Previous experience of managing or providing a treasury management function in either a local government or corporate environment.
5. Proven ability to drive through and deliver effective performance management within own organization.

Qualification

1. Full member of CCAB (such as CIPFA or equivalent) and/or ACT with significant post-qualification experience - Essential.
2. Evidence of significant relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
3. Educated to degree level or equivalent - Essential.
4. Post-graduate qualification (e.g., MBA, Masters degree) - Desirable.