Job Description
Forces Pension Society – Head of Pensions
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 CE, COO and Head of Membership to develop the annual business objectives and oversee the daily operation of the Society. S/he 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
Person Specification:
Professional Skills & Personal Qualities
Essential
Ability to lead and direct a team of experts.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to speak authoritatively and clearly to individuals and in public, and to write succinctly, explaining complex and technical issues in ways that can be easily understood.
Highly numerate and either familiar with the various AFPS or a background in Armed Forces pay and remuneration issues, together with an interest in this area and an ability to assimilate such information under the tutelage of the existing team.
IT capable – particularly PowerPoint Excel and Outlook, and an aptitude for learning a CRM system.
Credibility when dealing with Society members.
Ability to keep accurate records.
Desirable
Team player capable of nesting work within the wider organisation’s needs with a broad outlook, able to advise on a one-to-one basis and to motivate and encourage the team.
The ability to switch between the strategic and the operational with ease.
Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
Energy to sustain and develop current levels of activity.
Well-organised with a strong eye for detail and accuracy and an empathy for changes in members’ personal circumstances
Ability to inspire trust in the team, Society members and outside agencies (MOD).
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 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.