Head of Administration - DC

Railpen; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent pension fund management company in Tees Valley seeks a Head of Pension Administration to drive excellence in Defined Contribution operations. You will lead compliance and member-first principles, collaborate with teams, and influence strategic change. Candidates must have a robust background in pensions administration and be comfortable in a dynamic environment, with a hybrid working option available. A competitive salary and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

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

Private Medical Insurance

Employee assistance programme

Health cash plan

Eye care vouchers

Flu vaccination

Flexible working

Paid volunteering days

Electric vehicle leasing

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in Defined Contribution pensions required.
• Strong technical background in pensions administration is key.
• Experience influencing strategic change and embedding best practices.

Responsibilities

• Drive excellence in DC pension administration.
• Define standards for DC member services and ensure compliance.
• Influence strategic change and improve operational capability.

Skills

Defined Contribution pensions

Master Trust frameworks

Governance

Compliance

Analytical skills

Collaboration

Resilience

Job description

Head of Pension Administration (DC Member Services)

We’re looking for a Head of Pension Administration – DC Member Services to join our team in Darlington on a hybrid, permanent basis, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Defined Contribution (DC) operations.

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

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving excellence in DC pension administration and embedding Master Trust standards across our operations. You’ll lead on defining "what good looks like" for DC member services, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while delivering a member-first experience. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you’ll influence strategic change, improve operational capability, and help us close a critical gap in DC expertise to make Railpen fit for the future.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have full and unrestricted right to work in the UK, now and in the future.

The person

You will bring proven expertise in Defined Contribution pensions and Master Trust frameworks, as these are essential for success in this role. A strong technical background in pensions administration, governance, and compliance is key, along with experience influencing strategic change and embedding best practice. You should be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels and able to collaborate effectively across functions.

In terms of behaviours, you will be a passionate advocate for member-first principles, committed to delivering positive outcomes for our members. You will demonstrate an analytical and data-driven approach, with a continuous improvement mindset. Collaboration and influence are central to your style, enabling you to build strong relationships internally and externally. Resilience and adaptability are also important, as you will thrive in a changing environment and help shape the future of our DC operations.

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. You will actively demonstrate our values—creating a safe environment, placing the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of fair challenge, aligning to the best interests of our members.

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

Next Steps

Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers at Railpen by Wednesday 10th December 2025.

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