This role has a salary of £61,784 to £67,859 per annum, working 36 hours per week.
We have an opportunity for a highly motivated and strategic individual to join our Surrey Pension team (SPT) as a
Pensions Senior Manager - Governance & Risk.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving forward the enabling functions that underpin the success of our service. You will lead a team of managers and officers across Governance, Risk and Investment. Working closely with the Head of Pensions – Investment & Governance and the Pensions Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in designing and developing our strategic plan and ensuring it is delivered effectively and efficiently.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality public services.
Rewards And Benefits
- 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About The Team
The Surrey Pension Team is responsible for administering the Surrey Pension Fund, which is part of the national Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Surrey County Council acts as the administering authority, overseeing investment, funding, governance, and the day-to-day administration of the fund.
With a value of over £6 billion, the fund supports more than 130,000 members and around 500 participating employers, including councils, universities, colleges, academies, and private sector organisations delivering public services. The team manages the full pension lifecycle—from onboarding new members to processing retirements and dependents' benefits.
Our mission is to deliver a first-class customer experience while maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the fund. We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, working closely with stakeholders to ensure our services are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our members.
About The Role
In this role, you will lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for a range of critical functions. You will play a central role in the governance and oversight of both the Fund and external suppliers and partners. You will also have responsibility for monitoring all risks related to the Fund and intervening, when necessary, to mitigate them. Considering and protecting the membership of the Fund is at the heart of everything we do.
You will provide strategic direction for the team as governance and risk requirements expand and focus on maintaining best practice as guidance and regulations change. As part of your responsibilities, you will also deputise for the Head of Pensions – Investment & Governance at key meetings and forums.
Your work will support the development and implementation of both strategic and operational plans for the Surrey Pension Team. In addition, you will be responsible for drafting and presenting reports to the Local Pension Board and Pension Committee.
Shortlisting criteria
To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:
- Experience of senior leadership in governance and/or risk & compliance.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Strong strategic thinking to adapt to change and continuously seek improvement.
- A track record of delivering results on time.
- High proficiency in Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.)
Please answer the following questions as part of your application:
- Describe a time when you led a team through a significant governance or risk-related challenge. What was the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
- Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your strategic approach in response to changing regulations or guidance. How did you ensure your team maintained best practice?
- Give an example of how you have influenced senior stakeholders or external partners to support a governance or risk initiative. What challenges did you face?
- Tell us about a time you were responsible for drafting and presenting a report to a senior board or committee. What was the purpose of the report, how did you ensure it was clear and impactful, and what was the outcome?
Contact us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Lloyd Whitworth by e-mail at
[email protected]The advert will close at 23:59 on 14th September with interviews to follow later in September.
Local Government Reorganisation
Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.
Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Behaviours
The Surrey Way behaviours are a guide that supports our council to work together effectively and deliver our best for our customers and communities, and for each other. Discover more about our behaviours.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
