Pensions Senior Manager - Governance and Risk
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL
This role offers a salary of £61,784 to £67,859 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
Compensation & Benefits
* 26 days holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
* Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
* A generous local government salary related pension
* Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
* Learning and development hub with resources
* Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping
* Chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
The Team
The Surrey Pension Team administers the Surrey Pension Fund, part of the national Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The council acts as the administering authority, overseeing investment, funding, governance and day‑to‑day administration.
With a value of over £6 billion, the fund supports over 130,000 members and about 500 participating employers. The team manages the full pension lifecycle—from onboarding new members to processing retirements and dependents' benefits.
Our mission is to deliver a first‑class customer experience while maintaining long‑term financial sustainability. We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
The Role
In this role, you will lead and develop a high‑performing team responsible for governance, risk and investment functions. You will govern and oversee both the Fund and external suppliers and partners, identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risks, and provide strategic direction as requirements evolve.
You will deputise for the Head of Pensions – Investment & Governance at key meetings and forums. Your work will support the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans and you will draft and present reports to the Local Pension Board and Pension Committee.
Shortlisting Criteria
* Substantial senior leadership experience covering pensions governance and risk management
* Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities
* Strong strategic thinking and adaptability to change
* Track record of delivering results on time
* High proficiency in Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
Application Process
Applicants should submit a CV and answer the following 4 questions:
1. Describe a time when you led a team through a significant risk‑related challenge. What was the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
2. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your strategic approach in response to changing regulations or guidance. How did you ensure your team maintained best practice?
3. Give an example of how you have influenced senior stakeholders or external partners to support a governance initiative. What challenges did you face?
4. Tell us about a time you were responsible for drafting and presenting a report to a senior board or committee. What was the purpose of the report, how did you ensure it was clear and impactful, and what was the outcome?
The advert will close at 23:59 on 23rd November 2025 with interviews to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council will transition to new unitary councils in April 2027. If employed on 1 April 2027, the role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community.
Senior Level
* Director
Employment Type
* Full-time
Job Function
* Finance
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