Interim Head of Pensions and Treasury - Local Authority

The Role

The Interim Head of Pensions & Treasury will be the lead officer for the in-house pensions team that manages the our Local Government Pension Scheme and provides outstanding leadership and direction on all pension related issues to the Council.

The successful candidate will manage the team that has day-to-day accountability for implementation of pension policy and oversight of external service providers including investment managers, third party administrator, consultants and advisors.

An Overview

The role will see day-to-day duties which include:

• Accounting, budgeting, financial information, monitoring and control of the accounts of the Pension Fund;
• Liaising with investment advisor and Fund Managers to ensure that investment strategies are designed to realise optimised returns for the Fund
• Responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the Treasury Strategy, Policies and Procedures.
• Ensuring employers and members receive a high quality administration service
• Advising the Fund on governance matters;
• Managing relationships with, and the provision of information to, Fund employers;ensuring the pension fund has sufficient liquid cash to meet its commitments and that cash balances are secure and efficiently managed
• Oversee the effective administration of LGPS membership arrangements including meeting key performance targets, resourcing, and compliance.
• Ensure that all activities comply with the council's constitution, Standing Orders, financial regulations, health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities and that effective systems operate manage performance and risk.
• Interpret and implement legislative and regulatory requirements including The Pension Regulator's Code of Practices
• Lead on the closure of the Pension Fund accounts, support the external audit opinion and deliver appropriate financial returns

The Person

The role will require someone who has worked within the Public Sector and and track history with LGPS

• Previous experience of managing / administering a defined benefit pension fund (preferably within an LGPS environment) and a good knowledge of defined benefit pension schemes and other legislation that affects the LGPS.
• Experience of working with various stakeholders involved in the management and administration of occupational pension schemes.
• Knowledge of the major issues facing local government pension arrangements, understanding of the national policy context, requirements and future direction.
• Previous experience of managing or providing a treasury management function in either a local government or corporate environment
• Proven ability to drive through and deliver effective performance management within own organisation.