Senior Responsible Investment Officer

Senior Responsible Investment Officer

Salary: £50,788.00 - £54,279.00

Full Time (Hybrid)

18 Month Fixed Term Contract

Do you have experience of investment related research in environmental, social and governance matters and are looking to develop in the pension industry? Are you looking to work for one of the largest pension funds in the UK? We may have the role for you!

About WMPF

WMPF is one of the UK’s largest pension funds providing local authority pension benefits for employees across the West Midlands. We manage and administer the pension interests of over 330,000 scheme members, 800+ employers and currently have over £21 billion in assets under management.

We are recruiting for a Senior Responsible Investment Officer to join our continually growing Investments Service area. Our brand-new offices are based at the i9 building in Wolverhampton and is an excellent location for transport links by car, bus, train and tram.

What the day will look like

Responsibilities include:

• To provide responsible investment advice to the Assistant Director Investment Management and Stewardship, Director of Pensions, Assistant Director, Investment Strategy and wider investment team.
• To take a lead role in the formulation of the investment strategy and investment advisory service for the Fund as it relates to responsible investment matters.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of relevant investment strategy and policy documentation as it relates to RI, evaluate progress and effectiveness and make recommendations on potential changes, as required. In particular the Fund’s RI Framework incorporating the Climate Change Framework and Strategy and voting principles.
• Identifying and monitoring RI partners and initiatives which may support in delivery of the Fund RI Strategy, managing key relationships where appropriate.
• Develop, analyse and review RI requirements and reporting as part of development of mandates, to support consideration at asset class level and within individual investment arrangements.

About you

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, relevant postgraduate qualifications (e.g., IMC), and significant experience in investment analysis, ESG issues, and responsible investment, particularly regarding climate change risks and opportunities. They will demonstrate excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in teams, adapt to change, and interpret complex data to inform strategic decisions. Committed to professional development and delivering high-quality service, they will approach challenges with initiative, creativity, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Why choose the West Midlands Pension Fund?

You will also receive a generous holiday entitlement (starting with 26 days a year plus bank holidays). We usually work two days a week in the office and three from home.

We have a modern office environment that offers a relaxed working atmosphere with study and breakout areas, meeting rooms and kitchens with free tea and coffee making facilities. There are also cloakrooms, bike stores, showers and lockers available.

Other benefits whilst working for the fund include the employee awards scheme and on-the-job development where you will be provided with comprehensive study support for professional exams, formal education & structured training and the potential to advance within a growing organisation.

Working at the fund is a great way to start or develop your career and will give you the opportunity to explore, question and collaborate. You will build your skills and knowledge but also a network where everyone is here to help support you learn and develop in a place where you can thrive both professionally and personally making a shared impact.

We are delighted to have been accredited PASA, Investors in People, customer service excellence and we have Bronze Organisational Membership with the British Dyslexia Association and are working towards their Smart Award, which further underlines our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

How we support our colleagues

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage a diverse workforce. Plus, our agile, inclusive environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance. You also have 24-hour access to an employee assistance programme.

As a new employee of our Investments team, you will receive a robust interactive 8-week induction plan providing you the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders across the fund. You will also be enrolled onto a range of professional training courses including an introduction to the LGPS and team building to encourage collaborative working, allowing you to thrive in your new role.

For more information, please email WMPFRecruitment@wolverhampton.gov.uk or to apply for this post please visit the following website:

www.wmjobs.co.uk

For full details of the responsibilities and requirements of this role please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.

Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We want to attract the best applications from people of all backgrounds and underrepresented groups because we strongly believe in adding value through diversity, inclusion, and equality. Our employees enable us to deliver services that are accessible, inclusive, and reflective of Wolverhampton residents.

Our status as a Disability Confident Employer showcases our commitment to people with disabilities or health conditions, advocating for their opportunities and potential.

We've received the Stonewall Gold Award, emphasising our dedication to the LGBT+ community by nurturing an inspiring, inclusive, and equal workplace.

As of March 2023, the RACE Code Quality Mark signifies our active engagement with racial equality. These recognitions validate our continuous efforts towards fostering an inclusive work environment that respects and values our diverse employees.

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the essential criteria for the post.

We encourage, inspire and value an inclusive culture here at the council where employees can flourish, thrive and be themselves. We have four staff equality forums for employees to join. These help to ensure our employees have a voice, they feel empowered to speak up and where everyone is treated with respect.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

We are committed to the fair treatment of all our employees, potential employees, or users of our service regardless of offending background. The Council uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for any vacancies that require a DBS check to obtain information about applicants to assess their suitability for employment in positions of trust. We do not discriminate unfairly against any individual on the basis of a conviction or any other information revealed as a result of a DBS disclosure.

Employment Information & Support

If you are considering applying for an apprenticeship or a role where the salary is (Grade 2-5), and would like to visit us to learn about the application, interview process and what it is like to work for the council, please click on this link to find out more.

Attached documents
Senior Responsible Investment Officer.pdf