Director of Assurance and Standards

Railpen; Darlington; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pension fund administrator in Darlington is seeking a Director of Assurance and Standards to oversee quality assurance and regulatory compliance in member services. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of pension operations. This role offers a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and the opportunity to drive a member-first service culture within the organization.

Benefits

A competitive salary

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous annual bonus plan

Membership of the Railways Pension Scheme

4x Life Assurance cover

Colleague referral scheme

Employee assistance programme

Flexible half days leave

Qualifications

• Proven ability to define and embed quality standards in a member-focused environment.
• Experience leading a quality programme in a regulatory context.
• Demonstrated capability in managing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Manage and improve the control framework for member services.
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership and people development skills

Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders

Excellent communication skills

Strong understanding of pension administration operations

Job description

Director of Assurance and Standards Intro

We have an incredible opportunity for a Director of Assurance and Standards to join the Member Services team on a permanent basis, based in our Darlington office (hybrid working).

Who we are

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.

To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here

The role

As the Director of Assurance and Standards, you will be a strategic part of the new Member Services leadership team, looking to establish and uphold excellent member-first service through the leadership of the knowledge, risk and assurance disciplines.This role will set the strategic direction for quality assurance and adherence to regulatory standards, aligning the team’s work with Railpen’s member-first commitments. You will manage and continually improve the control framework to ensure compliance with member first measures and creating the best member experience possible. You will lead with integrity and a clear sense of purpose, championing what’s right for members and fostering a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

The person

To be successful in this role you will have a proven ability to define and embed what 'good looks like' in a complex, member-focused environment.You will have a proven record of delivery through innovative strategies despite challenges. Experience in leading and developing a first-line quality programme in a regulatory environment is key. You will have a deep understanding of pension administration operations, regulatory obligations, and service delivery models.Key to this role will be the ability to build and develop high-performing teams and therefore demonstratable leadership and people development skills are crucial.

As the Director of Assurance and Standards, you will have the ability to embrace complexity, and have excellent skills in delivering clear communication. We are looking for someone who has extensive experience in managing senior stakeholders, overcoming resistance to change and demonstrating the ability to gain trust. Key to this role is the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders to drive alignment, secure advocacy, and embed assurance principles across the organisation.You will be keen to effectively lead and share best practice to direct reports and will act as an advocate by leading from the top and collaborating across Railpen, whilst driving our core purpose of upholding an excellent member-first service.

Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for.You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members. What we can offer you Rewarding you

• A competitive salary

• 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

• Employee assistance programme

• Heath 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

Next Steps

Please apply for the apply button or visit Careers Page by 5pm on 1st September 2025.

Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life