2026 Retirement Actuarial Graduate Trainee Consultant Programme, Manchester

Willis Towers Watson; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in Manchester is seeking a candidate to join their Retirement team. You will support clients, focusing on Defined Benefit schemes, while gaining skills to communicate results effectively. The ideal candidate should hold a 2:1 degree in a numerate discipline and be a natural problem solver. This role offers a hybrid working model with comprehensive support for professional development.

Qualifications

• A natural problem solver with a sharp and analytical mind.
• Comfortable working with and analysing numbers.
• Confident communicator who knows how to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with their Defined Benefit schemes.
• Work on valuation and risk-reduction projects.
• Collaborate with investment and administration teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Curiosity

Education

2:1 degree in a numerate discipline

A or B at A-Level Maths

Job description

Overview

With 48,000 colleagues in over 140 countries, we help organisations make forward-thinking choices about their people, their investments and the risks they face. Joining our Retirement team, you'll be part of our impact right from the start.

Our Retirement team work with some of the largest pension schemes in the UK, for everyone from household-name brands to charities. Advising on both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes, we tackle complex challenges every day and make a real difference to active and retired employees across the country. Our work is vital and often very high profile. You'll help us continue to deliver a truly exceptional service.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

Responsibilities

Working with and learning from some of the leading figures in the pensions industry, you'll help deliver innovative solutions for prestigious clients. You'll also be supported through your actuarial exams, with a mentor and a flexible study support package to help you become a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.

On our programme, you'll:

• Focus on supporting clients with their Defined Benefit schemes, although there may be opportunities to work with other types of schemes
• Support with everything from regular valuation work to cutting-edge risk-reduction and scheme design projects
• Work with teams such as investment, communications and administration to provide joined-up advice
• Build your technical and consulting skills through a mix of practical and classroom learning
• Take on real-world actuarial problems that matter to our clients
• Gain the skills to effectively communicate the results of your work to colleagues and, ultimately, clients
• Be free to identify and take opportunities to improve the way we work and the services we provide

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A natural problem solver with a sharp and analytical mind
• Comfortable working with and analysing numbers
• A confident communicator who knows how to build relationships
• Curious and eager to build and apply your knowledge
• At least 2:1 degree-qualified in a numerate discipline, or 2:1 qualified in a non-numerate discipline plus an A or B at A-Level Maths.

Closing Date: 30th September 2025

Workstyles

We're open to hybrid working for this role, which means blending working at home with at least three days in the office (four in your first few months), collaborating with the people around you and learning from your colleagues.

The Application Process

1. Stage 1: Apply online and attach your CV
2. Stage 2: Complete an online test and video interview
3. Stage 3: Attend a virtual assessment centre, where you'll meet members of the team
4. Stage 4: Offer and acceptance
5. Stage 5: Keeping in touch, including an office visit and social events where you'll meet some of your future colleagues.
6. Stage 6: Onboarding

Equal Opportunity Employer

We're committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email