Head of Service for Pensions

Dorset Council UK; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking an experienced pensions leader to become Head of Pensions, overseeing the Local Government Pension Scheme across Dorset and driving strategic direction within the council. The role requires strong leadership, governance, and financial acumen to steer a multi‑disciplinary team and the fund’s operations.

You will coordinate with LPPI and external advisers, lead budgeting, and report to council committees, shaping investment strategy and fund administration for

Qualifications

• Experience in LGPS or public sector pensions.
• Proven leadership of diverse teams.
• Strong financial and governance expertise.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and committees.
• Strategic planning and performance reporting.
• Sound political awareness and public service ethos.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of the Pension Fund’s investment and funding strategies.
• Managing relationships with external advisers, investment managers, and the LPPI pool.
• Overseeing pension administration, systems development, risk management, and compliance with LGPS governance standards.
• Advising the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board, and reporting to relevant council committees.
• Providing strategic support to over 120 employers in the Fund, ensuring high standards of communication and service delivery.
• Leading on business planning, budgeting, and performance reporting.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Change management

Financial acumen

Political awareness

LGPS knowledge

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Job description

What is involved?

Are you an experienced pensions professional with a passion for strategic leadership and public service? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as our new Head of Pensions, leading and shaping the delivery of our Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) across Dorset.

As the Statutory Senior LGPS Officer, you will provide clear strategic direction, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and driving continuous improvement across the Pensions function. You will oversee all aspects of our £4.9bn pension fund’s operations, spanning investment, administration, and governance. You'll be a key member of the Resources Management Team, leading by example in terms of embedding the vision, values and behaviours of the council.

You will work closely with our c.£57bn asset management pool, LPPI to help shape the future of LGPS investment. Leading a talented, multi-disciplinary team, you will be supported with external investment advisors and be part of a collaborative partnership through LPPI.

You will be joining us at a pivotal time as we settle into our new pool and review our investment strategy, and implement the changes set out through LGPS fit for the future there is a real opportunity to help shape the future for Dorset Pension Fund and beyond through work across the sector.

Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you'll take the lead on a wide range of responsibilities that are central to the effective management and strategic direction of the Pension Fund, including:

• Leading the development and delivery of the Pension Fund’s investment and funding strategies.
• Managing relationships with external advisers, investment managers, and the LPPI pool.
• Overseeing pension administration, systems development, risk management, and compliance with LGPS governance standards.
• Advising the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board, and reporting to relevant council committees.
• Providing strategic support to over 120 employers in the Fund, ensuring high standards of communication and service delivery.
• Leading on business planning, budgeting, and performance reporting.

What will I need?

You’ll bring experience managing budgets, leading diverse teams, and working in partnership both internally and externally to the organisation. A deep understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the wider council context is essential.

Your experience will come with a relevant degree or professional qualification and a solid background in pension fund management, attained at strategic level. You’ll need strong leadership, change management, and organisational skills, along with high level financial acumen and political awareness.

Background reading

• Local Government Pension Scheme: fund governance - GOV.UK
• Dorset Pension Fund
• Pension Fund Committee - Dorset Council
• Local Pension Board | Dorset Pension Fund
• About | LPPI