DC Pension Administration Stabilisation Lead - DC

DC Pension Administration Stabilisation Lead (Fixed Term Contract)

Darlington (hybrid working)2 days per week in the Darlington office, with flexibility depending on business needs and stakeholder engagement. 

About the role 

AtRailpen, we take a long-term view, protecting the future of the railways' pension schemes through thoughtful decisions made today. As our Defined Contribution (DC) pension administration service continues to evolve,we'relooking for an experienced pensions professional to join us onaeighteen-month fixed-term contractto support the mobilisation,stabilisationand successful embedding of a newly established DC administration team. 

Reporting to theHead of DC Pension Administration,you'llplay a pivotal role inmaintainingservice performance, embedding sustainable ways of working and supporting the transition of day-to-day leadership responsibilities to an existing team manager. This is a hands-on assignment whereyou'llcombine operationalexpertise, leadershipsupportand continuous improvement to ensure a high-quality service for members and employers.

To learn more aboutRailpenincluding our values, culture and purpose, visit our careers pagehere.

What you'll be doing 

• Supporting the mobilisation,implementationand stabilisation of the DC administration team

• Working alongside the Head of DC Pension Administration to prioritise workloads, manage operational issues and embed effective ways of working

• Maintaining and improving service performance, operational controls,accuracyand timeliness across DC administration activities

• Providing practical leadership support, coaching and knowledge transfer to team members and future team leaders

• Monitoring and improving performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs

• Managing operational risks, issues and incidents, ensuringappropriate escalationand resolution

• Identifyingand implementing improvements to strengthen quality,efficiencyand member outcomes

• Supporting the transition of ongoing leadership responsibilities to an existing team manager

• Building effective relationships with employers, suppliers, investmentmanagersand internal stakeholders

• RepresentingDC Administration in relevant meetings,forumsand working groups

Key operational responsibilities will include: 

• Daily cash and unit reconciliations

• Resolution of breaks and exceptions

• Quarterly investment rebalancing

• Investment switches and unit adjustments

• Processing member and employer contributions

• Transfers in and out

• Retirement claims

• Ill-health claims

• Bereavement cases

• Divorce Pension Sharing Orders

• Complaints and escalations management

• Member,employerand supplier queries

What we're looking for 

We'relooking for an experienced pensions professional with a strongtrack recordof delivering operational improvements and supporting teams through periods of change,mobilisationor recovery.You'llbe comfortable rolling up your sleeves to solve complex challenges whilemaintainingstrong governance and service standards.

Essential 

• Strong experience in DC pension administration, ideally within a Master Trust or similarly complex DC environment

• Proven experience supporting mobilisation, service recovery, stabilisation or transition activity within pensions administration or another regulated environment

• Excellent knowledge of DC administration processes, including investments,reconciliationsand operational controls

• Experienceoperatingwithin a highly regulated environment and applying effective risk management practices

• Ability to balance operational oversight with hands-on delivery and implementation support

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results at pace

• A collaborative approach with a focus on continuous improvement and member outcomes

Desirable 

• Experience supporting pensions administration transformation,transitionor mobilisation programmes

• Experience leading service recovery or operational stabilisation initiatives

• Knowledge of AAF 01/06, The Pensions Regulator's General Code or similar governance frameworks

• Experience working with multiple employers,suppliersand internal stakeholders in a pension administration environment

Why is this role exciting now? 

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the establishment and successful embedding ofRailpen'sDC administration team.You'llhave the chance to make an immediate impact by helping shape operational processes, strengthen servicedeliveryand build capability within the team.

Yourexpertisewill directly contribute to creating a sustainable and high-performing administration function that delivers excellent outcomes for pension scheme members. The work you do during this assignment will leavea lasting legacylong after the transition is complete.