Deputy Head - Pensions Projects & Governance

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Cambridge seeks a Deputy Head for its Pensions Team to lead strategic governance projects and manage regulatory compliance. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in pensions governance, project leadership, and excellent communication skills. This role offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package, including 41 days of annual leave and career development opportunities.

Benefits

41 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Health & mental wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Strong experience in managing multi-stakeholder pensions projects.
• Excellent communication skills for advising senior leaders.
• Ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver strategic pensions projects and compliance exercises.
• Maintain governance frameworks and support trustee boards.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders influencing policy.

Skills

Pensions governance

Project leadership

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Team leadership

Education

Knowledge of UK pensions legislation

Job description

Overview

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. We are looking for a forward-thinking Deputy Head to lead on high-impact projects and regulatory initiatives as we modernise and strengthen governance frameworks.

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 will be part of a collaborative and expert team, contributing to robust governance, compliance, and strategic development.

If you are 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 and maintain 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, with 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.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

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

£63,606 to £67,468 per annum