Defined Benefit Pensions Project Manager

Willis Towers Watson; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Group income protection

Hybrid working

Job summary

Willis Towers Watson plc, a leading UK pensions consultancy, is seeking a senior Pensions Project Manager to lead a portfolio of large-scale change and transformation programs focused on defined benefit schemes. You will manage high-impact initiatives such as GMP equalisation, buy-in/buy-out readiness, and scheme mergers, working with clients, actuaries and administrators to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.

This role offers hybrid working across UK offices and remote collaboration.

Qualifications

• Strong working background in UK Defined Benefit pensions.
• Experience with GMP equalisation, Buy-ins/Buy-outs, scheme mergers and wind-ups.
• Proven track record delivering client-facing pension projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact pension change and transformation projects.
• Define strategy, scope, timelines and outcomes with clients and project teams.
• Ensure governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement across multiple workstreams.

Skills

Defined Benefit pensions

Pension governance

Project delivery

Stakeholder management

Prince2 / PMP / similar

Job description

Lead and deliver a portfolio of large-scale pension change and transformation projects.

• Manage high-impact initiatives including GMP equalisation, buy-in and buy-out readiness, benefit rectification, liability management exercises, scheme mergers, transitions and wind-ups.
• Partner with clients and project teams to define strategy, scope, timelines and successful outcomes.
• Drive project governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement across multiple workstreams.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
• Facilitate workshops, steer governance forums and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Help shape best practice and contribute to the continued growth and success of the project management function.

Are you an experienced Pensions Project Manager - Defined Benefit Pensions looking to take the next step in your career? Join one of the UK's leading pensions consulting and administration businesses, where you'll have the opportunity to lead high-profile pension transformation projects, work with major clients, and make a real impact on the future of pension schemes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and highly respected project management team delivering some of the most complex and strategically important initiatives across the pensions industry. You'll lead a diverse portfolio of projects for medium and large Defined Benefit (DB) pension schemes, helping clients navigate significant change while building your expertise in specialist areas of pensions consulting and scheme transformation.

From GMP equalisation and benefit rectification projects to buy-in, buy-out readiness, scheme mergers and wind-ups, you'll work at the forefront of industry developments, partnering with clients, actuaries, administrators, consultants and senior stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.

Why Join Us?

• Lead impactful, high-value projects that shape the future of pension schemes.
• Work with some of the UK's largest and most recognised pension clients.
• Gain exposure to a broad range of complex pension transformation and de-risking initiatives.
• Join a growing team with ambitious plans and opportunities to influence how we deliver projects.
• Accelerate your development through structured career progression, mentoring, coaching and on-the-job learning.
• Collaborate with specialists across pensions consulting, administration, actuarial and technology teams.
• Enjoy a high degree of variety, ownership and visibility in your work.

Build Your Future with Us

This is more than a project management role. It's an opportunity to develop specialist expertise, work on industry-leading projects, influence client outcomes, and grow your career within a collaborative team that invests in your success.

Our Work Style

We believe flexibility helps our people perform at their best. We offer a hybrid working model that combines remote and office-based working, enabling you to balance collaboration, client engagement and personal flexibility.

Benefits

• You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge.
• Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind.
• Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.
• We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community.
• On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more.
• Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We're committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants.

Requirements

• A strong working background in UK Defined Benefit pensions
• Strong knowledge of DB scheme operations, legislation, and technical project areas (e.g., GMP rectification/equalisation, Buy-ins, Buy-outs, Merger, wind-ups).
• Experience within actuarial pension project teams, pension administration projects, or pensions consulting is highly advantageous.
• Evidence of successful project delivery and client facing experience
• Prince 2 qualified or similar (e.g. APM, PMP, CSM) or a willingness to sit these
• Clear, concise and confident communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Experience in facilitating and leading project meetings / workshops and taking effective notes
• Proactiveness and Self-assertive management approach to drive project outcomes
• Strong stakeholder management experience