Are you a capable manager and leader? Are you familiar with the various Armed Forces Pension Schemes or have a background in Armed Forces pay and remuneration issues? This could be the job for you!
About the Society
The Forces Pension Society is a not-for-profit, independent membership organisation that looks after the interests of current and future UK Armed Forces pensioners. It is a watchdog, a lobby group and a provider of Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) guidance to its membership, which comprises both serving and retired Armed Forces personnel. In recent years the Society has gone from strength to strength, with increasing membership (now approx. 66,000), a strong independent voice, and considerable influence and reputation. The Society has a full-time staff of 18 and is based in Vauxhall, South West London. Demand for our services is growing.
The Pension Team
At the heart of the Society is the Pension Team, currently 10 strong. The main task of the team is to provide expert, independent, technical guidance on the AFPS by email and telephone. The reputation of the Society relies upon this guidance being accurate, authoritative, clear and timely – and thus depends upon the leadership and management of the Head of Pensions.
Head of Pensions
The Head of Pensions is a member of the Society’s Senior Management Team and works closely with the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Membership to develop the annual business objectives and oversee the daily operation of the Society. They will be expected to be comfortable briefing the Society’s Board and Committees. Military experience at OF4-OF5 level or equivalent will be advantageous but not essential.
Role
The role of the Head of Pensions is to:
- Be part of the Society’s Senior Management Team and Communications Working Group.
- Direct and lead the work of the Pension Team, optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of human and technical resources and procedures.
- Ensure the training of pension consultants is thorough and up to date.
- Oversee Level One quality assurance of responses to pension enquires.
- Liaise with the MOD (Armed Forces Remuneration) and Veterans UK
- Maintain Pension Team performance data.
- Generate content for the Society’s external communications
Click for Person Specification
Package
- Starting salary £68,487 p.a.
- 10% of salary employer pension contributions (£6,849-no employee contributions).
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- 30 days annual leave (plus all Bank Holidays).
- Comprehensive handover and development package.
- Office-based in Vauxhall, working from home as agreed.
Application Process
Please apply by submitting a CV and, in no more than two sides of A4, write a supporting statement which meets the person specification and outlines:
- your reasons for applying for this position;
- your experiences to date which you feel make you a suitable candidate; and
- an indication of your strengths, both personally and professionally.
Applications should be submitted electronically to the Chief Operating Officer at Matthewl@forpen.co.uk by 6pm Sun 1 Dec. Sift will take place in the first week of December, with assessments and interviews in person scheduled for Mon 9 Dec at the Society’s offices in Vauxhall.
The successful candidate will start on 24 Mar 2025 or at a mutually agreed date. If short listed we will ask you to provide the contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current employer.
