Deputy Head - Pensions Projects & Governance

Join a team at the heart of strategic pensions governance at Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is home to one of the most complex and diverse pension landscapes in the UK higher education sector. Our Pensions Team plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial futures of thousands of staff across the University and its associated employers. As we continue to modernise and strengthen our governance frameworks, we are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Deputy Head to lead on high-impact projects and regulatory initiatives.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work across multiple in-house and national pension schemes, engaging directly with senior stakeholders including Trustees, the Chief Financial Officer, and external advisers. You'll be part of a collaborative and expert team, contributing to the delivery of robust governance, compliance, and strategic development.

If you're passionate about pensions, thrive in a multi-stakeholder environment, and want to help shape the future of pensions governance at one of the world's leading universities, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

In this role, you will:

• Lead and deliver strategic pensions projects - From scheme reviews and system upgrades to compliance exercises and member communications.
• Drive governance excellence - Maintaining governance frameworks, supporting trustee boards, and ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple schemes.
• Collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders - Including HR, Finance, IT, scheme advisers, and scheme administrators.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders - Including the Head of Group Pensions, CFO, and Trustee Chairs, influencing decision-making and policy.
• Manage and mentor a small team - Fostering development and ensuring high standards in project delivery and governance support.

Your Skills

We're seeking a strategic, collaborative professional who can lead complex pensions projects and strengthen governance across a diverse portfolio of schemes. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong pensions governance and project leadership experience - Able to manage multi-stakeholder initiatives, deliver regulatory compliance, and support trustee boards in a variety of projects.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills - Comfortable advising senior leaders and engaging with internal teams, external advisers, and regulatory bodies.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset - Capable of navigating complex challenges, driving improvements, and delivering results with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of UK pensions legislation and best practice - Familiar with the expectations of The Pensions Regulator and able to translate policy into effective operational frameworks.
• Team leadership and mentoring ability - Experience managing and developing a small team, fostering growth and high performance.

Benefits

The University offers an excellent benefit package including:

• 41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Public transport season ticket loans
• Tax-efficient bicycle and charity-giving schemes

Location

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role.

Funding for this post is Permanent.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you would like more information about this role, informal enquiries can be directed by email to Michael Safo-Crampton at [email protected]

If you have any questions on the application process, please contact a Recruitment Administrator at [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 15th September 2025. The interviews date for the role are planned for 22nd September 2025.

Please quote reference AG47079 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.