Are you an experienced pensions professional with a passion for strategic leadership and public service? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as our new Head of Pensions, leading and shaping the delivery of our Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) across County Durham and beyond. As the Statutory LGPS Senior Officer, you will provide clear strategic direction, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and driving continuous improvement across the Pensions function. You will oversee all aspects of our £3.8bn pension fund’s operations, spanning investment, administration, and governance. You'll be a key member of the Resources Management Team, leading by example in terms of embedding the vision, values and behaviours of the council. You will work closely with our £65bn asset management pool, Border to Coast Pensions Partnership to help shape the future of LGPS investment. Leading a talented, multi-disciplinary team, you will be supported with external investment advisors and be part of a collaborative partnership through Border to Coast. What is involved? In this pivotal role, you'll take the lead on a wide range of responsibilities that are central to the effective management and strategic direction of the Pension Fund, including: Leading the development and delivery of the Pension Fund’s investment and funding strategies. Managing relationships with external advisers, investment managers, and the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership (BCPP). Overseeing pension administration, systems development, risk management, and compliance with LGPS governance standards. Advising the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board, and reporting to relevant council committees. Providing strategic support to over 120 employers in the Fund, ensuring high standards of communication and service delivery. Leading on business planning, budgeting, and performance reporting. What will I need? You’ll bring experience managing budgets, leading diverse teams, and working in partnership both internally and externally to the organisation. A deep understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the wider council context is essential. Your experience will come with a relevant degree or professional qualification and a solid background in pension fund management, attained at strategic level. You’ll need strong leadership, change management, and organisational skills, along with high level financial control and political awareness. About County Durham County Durham is a vibrant and diverse county, rich in history and natural beauty, from the rolling dales to the stunning coastline. It's home to well-connected communities, supported by an ambitious and forward-thinking county council. This is a place where innovation, heritage, and a sense of belonging come together to create a great place to live and work. You will be based in our brand new Corten House office, with state of the art meeting rooms and facilities. Rewards and Benefits We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best: Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year. Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: Rewards and Benefits For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact our resourcing partners at The Resourcing Solution:- Leanne Auton by emailing Leanne.Auton@northyorks.gov.uk or calling 07815 028 548 or Penny Keatings Penny.Keatings@northyorks.gov.uk or by calling 07811 411 462. To apply please provide us with your CV including a supporting statement in one Microsoft Word document. Your supporting statement should outline your motivation for applying and how you meet the criteria for the role. These should be emailed to The Resourcing Solution at Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk. Please do not send PDFs. VPRS/161