Process Assurance Lead Intro We’re looking for a Process Assurance Lead to join our Member Services area on a permanent basis, in Darlington, working hybrid. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring that change is tested properly, risk is understood and managed, and new solutions are safe, compliant and ready to support our members and colleagues. Who we are Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into. To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here. The role You’ll lead and take overall ownership of testing and assurance across Member Services. Your focus will be on making sure that change whether system, process or operational is delivered to a consistently high standard and with member outcomes at the centre. You’ll develop and oversee testing strategies across releases and programmes, shaping how testing is designed, executed and governed. Working closely with SMEs, PIAs, change teams and operational colleagues, you’ll ensure testing fully reflects signed‑off requirements and accurately validates end‑to‑end impact. Alongside this, you’ll: Lead, coach and develop the Process Assurance team, creating an open and supportive environment where capability and confidence continue to grow Allocate resources effectively across programmes, releases and BAU priorities Oversee functional and non‑functional testing, ensuring quality, risk and delivery expectations are met Provide informed challenge and insight within change governance forums, helping decision‑makers understand risk and readiness Support operational teams before and after go‑live, including during implementation, early life support and live incidents where needed Drive continuous improvement across testing approaches, MI, documentation and ways of working This role plays an important part in protecting operational integrity, supporting successful change, and maintaining trust with our members. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. The person We’re looking for someone with strong experience in testing and assurance within a regulated environment, ideally with exposure to pensions administration and complex operational processes. You’ll bring: A solid background in system and process testing, with the ability to assess risk and design effective, proportionate testing approaches An understanding of pensions administration systems and ecosystems, ideally including BaNCS and member portals Experience leading and developing teams, managing multiple priorities and balancing change with BAU needs The confidence to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders across operations, change and governance Just as important is how you work. You’re someone who: Takes ownership and accountability for quality and outcomes Is supportive, approachable and invested in developing others Spots risk early and isn’t afraid to ask the right questions Stays positive and composed when priorities shift Keeps members at the heart of decision‑making Has a genuine improvement mindset, always looking for better ways of working This role would suit someone who enjoys combining leadership with hands‑on assurance, and who wants to make a meaningful impact in a purpose‑driven organisation. Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members. What we can offer you Rewarding you A competitive salary (depending on experience) 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays Generous annual bonus plan We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay 4x Life Assurance cover Health & Wellbeing Private Medical Insurance Employee assistance programme Health cash plan Eye care vouchers Flu vaccination Lifestyle We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave Buy and sell holidays Give as you earn scheme Paid volunteering days Flexible half days leave Electric vehicle leasing Cycle to work scheme Next Steps Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers by 5pm on Wednesday 6th May. Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life