Director of Administration Operations

IPS Group; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking a Director of Pensions Administration to lead the pension administration function for a key organization. The successful candidate will oversee operational excellence for a large number of members within the Railway Pension Scheme. This role supports hybrid working with regular presence required in the Darlington office, and offers a competitive salary along with generous employee benefits including a bonus plan and private medical insurance.

Benefits

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous annual bonus plan

Private Medical Insurance

Hybrid and flexible working

12 months full pay maternity leave

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading a large-scale pension operation within Defined Benefits.
• Ability to transform culture and operational excellence in large teams.
• Comfortable leading in ambiguity and resilient in facing challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pension administration function delivering operational excellence.
• Provide strategic insight and challenge to senior leadership.
• Shape culture and drive positive change for colleagues and members.

Skills

Pension industry experience

Leadership in large-scale operations

DB and DC knowledge

Cultural change management

Problem-solving

Job description

IPS Group are currently working with Railpen on an exciting opportunity for a Director of Pensions Administration to join the Member Services Leadership team, reporting to the Chief Officer, Member Services on a permanent basis. We support hybrid working in this role, but there is a need for regular, weekly presence in the Darlington office. Travel and accommodation costs can be paid for applicants who are not necessarily local but would be interested in this superb opportunity.

Who are Railpen?

Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK’s largest and longest established pension funds.

Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.

Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our interactions with others. They are what we stand for.

About the Role

The Member Services business unit is entering a pivotal phase. Under new leadership, we are embarking on a transformation journey centred around a bold, member-first vision. This is a time of change, challenge, and opportunity—and we’re looking for someone ready to lead from the front.

As Director of Administration, you will lead the pension administration function for Railpen, delivering excellent operational delivery to approximately , members within the Railway Pension Scheme, covering a range of pension products and services, including complex DB, hybrid, CARE and DC.

As a member of the Member Services senior leadership team, you will provide strategic insight, challenge and leadership, translating strategic objectives into operational deliverables in a challenging but exciting environment. Responsible for c. colleagues, you will be instrumental in shaping our culture and driving positive change for our colleagues and members alike.

Who are we looking for?

The pension landscape is ever-changing, we need a leader who will embrace change and drive excellence through complexity.

The successful candidate will be someone who has significant experience in the pension industry, leading a large-scale pension operation within Defined Benefits and has the ability to transform culture and operational excellence in a large team. You will bring sound DB and DC knowledge to drive forward and resolve complex operational demands through innovative and clear solutions.

We are looking for a collaborative and people-focused leader who is purpose-led and passionate about making a real difference for colleagues and members alike. You will be comfortable leading in ambiguity, resilient in the face of multiple challenges, and versatile in your approach to problem-solving.

Experience of leading significant cultural change and leadership development within a high-volume, service-driven operation is key. You will be hands‑on, willing to get into the detail, and maintain a strong industry network to balance short- and long-term objectives.

As a Director, you will help foster a learning and supportive culture, developing and retaining internal talent while creating opportunities to support attraction.

What we can offer you

Rewarding you

• A competitive salary (depending on experience)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Generous annual bonus plan
• We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
• 4x Life Assurance cover
• Colleague referral scheme

Heath & Wellbeing

• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Health cash plan
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination

Lifestyle

• We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
• Buy and sell holidays
• Give as you earn scheme
• Paid volunteering days
• Flexible half days leave
• Electric vehicle leasing
• Cycle to work scheme