Pensions Project Manager | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Jobicy

Job Description

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Project Manager with a Defined Benefit (DB) pensions background to join our thriving project management team. You will lead and deliver a variety of client‑facing and internal pension change projects, working with medium to large pension schemes across diverse industries.

In this role, you will manage a broad portfolio of projects including GMP equalisation, Buy‑in/Buy‑out readiness, benefits rectification, scheme mergers, wind‑ups, and other pension change initiatives. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across multiple lines of business, clients, administrators, actuaries, and external partners.

This opportunity is ideal for someone with strong project management skills who has worked in pension projects and/or actuarial project environments, or pensions consulting, and who enjoys both the structure of pension risk based projects delivery and the challenge of troubleshooting complex issues.

Why This Role is Exciting
- Work with large, high‑profile clients and a wide variety of pension schemes.
- Be part of a growing team, contributing to new project areas and strategic initiatives.
- Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialist DB project areas such as GMPe and de‑risking transactions.
- Dynamic role blending pension risk based project delivery with strategic problem‑solving and cross‑functional collaboration.

Join us in this role and be part of a dynamic team with a defined career path, on job training and a team that coach and mentor you whilst you grow your career with us!

Our work style: We understand flexibility is key to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and WTW offers flexible working opportunities (full time or part time) in a hybrid style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. 

Office location: You can be based in any of our offices across London, Reigate, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, or Edinburgh. This role follows a flexible hybrid model, with just one day per week working in your nearest office. 

The role

• Apply your pensions technical knowledge, consulting skills and project management experience to proactively guide your project teams to the optimal project outcomes
• Manage a diverse portfolio of project types including GMP equalisation, Buy‑in and Buy‑out readiness, benefit rectification, liability management, scheme transitions, mergers, and wind‑ups.
• Develop detailed project plans to monitor and track progress
• Establish a robust project governance framework
• Provide day-to-day project management, working closely with your project teams and external stakeholders to deliver project milestones within scope and budgets
• Lead and document project calls and facilitate planning workshops
• Drive high quality client project delivery, operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Carry out continual project improvement reviews and ensure thorough tranche reviews are carried out at appropriate project milestones
• Ensure that the project documentation, such as risk logs, action plans, project plans are actively maintained

What you’ll bring

• A strong working background in UK Defined Benefit pensions 
• Strong knowledge of DB scheme operations, legislation, and technical project areas (e.g., GMP rectification/equalisation, Buy‑ins, Buy‑outs, wind‑ups).
  Experience within actuarial project teams, pension administration projects, or pensions consulting is highly advantageous.
• Evidence of successful project delivery and client facing experience
• Prince 2 qualified or similar (e.g. APM, PMP, CSM) or a willingness to sit these
• Clear, concise and confident communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Experience in facilitating and leading project meetings / workshops and taking effective notes
• Proactiveness and assertive management approach to drive project outcomes
• Strong stakeholder management experience

What we offer
Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.

We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidatehelpdesk@wtwco.com

Expert Career Tips for Pensions Project Manager Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Pensions Project Manager, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Pensions Project Manager requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Global and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Global, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
• AI Augmentation: Learn how to leverage generative AI and automation tools to increase your productivity. Understanding how to integrate these technologies into your workflow is becoming a non-negotiable skill.
• Leadership & Strategy: Even in individual contributor roles, the ability to think strategically and lead projects from inception to completion is highly valued. Focus on stakeholder management and high-level project planning.
• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Pensions Project Manager position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.