Head of Pensions and Treasury

Description

We seek a Head of Pensions and Treasury for a local government client in North London. This role is crucial, as you will be 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. Your team management will be instrumental, with day-to-day accountability for implementing pension policy and overseeing external service providers, including investment managers, third-party administrators, consultants, and advisors. You will guide and support the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board in their duties, making your role pivotal to our operations.      

Responsibility

As the Head of Pensions, you will play a crucial role in the strategy development and implementation responsibilities of the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pensions Board. This includes providing vital support to elected representatives under the proper governance arrangements. You will be expected to provide unfettered advice to elected representatives, inform their decision-making, and contribute to the effective governance of the pension schemes.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade A-C (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• CIPFA (or other CCAB) qualified
• Educated to degree level or equivalent – Essential
• Post-graduate qualification (e.g. MBA, master’s degree) – Desirable
• Advanced –Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, social media and CRM.
• Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Requirements - Criteria-to be Tested at Shortlisting.
• Previous experience managing/administering a defined benefit pension fund (preferably within an LGPS environment.)
• Good knowledge of defined benefit pension schemes and other LGPS legislation.
• Experience working with various stakeholders in managing and administrating occupational pension schemes.
• Knowledge of the major issues facing local government pension arrangements, the national policy context, requirements and future direction.
• Previous experience managing or providing a treasury management function in a local government or corporate environment.
• Proven ability to drive through and deliver effective performance management within own organisation.
• Managing and successfully delivering several projects simultaneously, a knowledge of project management and implementing and operating significant changes to service provision.
• Experience advising on and preparing business cases for investment decisions, including the ability to apply options appraisals and evaluation techniques.
• Practical experience in the final accounts process.
• Able to lead, inspire and motivate various employees and generate a positive working environment.
• Ability to think critically and apply innovative and creative thinking to address complex service challenges.
• Committed to corporate and collegiate working across the service.
• Well-developed IT skills (MS Office suite, financial systems, data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Resilience is a crucial attribute for this role. We are looking for someone who is not easily deterred by challenges but instead rises to meet them. Maintaining a positive attitude and moving forward, even under challenging circumstances, is essential for success in this role.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate, both written and oral, complex financial issues to members, non-financial managers, senior officers and external organisations.

Essential Compliance Requirements

• Five Years of Reference.
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group- A leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy.

Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.