Pensions Governance, Audit & Risk Manager

DHL; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics company is seeking a Pensions Governance, Audit & Risk Manager in Bedford. You will strengthen governance and risk management for the UK Pension Plans, leading projects and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in pensions governance and strong stakeholder management skills. A competitive salary and hybrid working are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company car or car allowance

Annual bonus scheme

Hybrid working

Contributory pension scheme

Private healthcare

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Qualifications

• Proven pensions governance experience within an in-house or consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of UK occupational pensions legislation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of risk management and compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the Trustee Board’s Audit & Risk Management Committee.
• Liaise with Trustee's risk advisers and manage follow-up actions.
• Lead reporting of Committee activities to the Trustee Board.

Skills

Pensions governance experience

Knowledge of UK pensions legislation

Risk management skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

APMI or equivalent

Job description

About Us

Our in-house Pensions team, based in Bedford, is a trusted partner to the DHL Group, supporting the governance and management of our UK Pension Plans. As our scope of work continues to grow, we’re now looking for an experienced Pensions Governance, Audit & Risk Manager to join our dedicated and collaborative team.

We are proud of our positive, can‑do culture — teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

You will play a key role in strengthening the governance, compliance, and risk management of DHL Group’s UK Pension Plans (DB and DC), which together have c. £5.6bn in assets and around 178,000 members.

You will lead governance and compliance projects, oversee audit and risk frameworks, and ensure alignment with the Pensions Regulator’s new code of practice.

This role can be offered full-time or part-time, with flexible working arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive support to the Trustee Board’s Audit & Risk Management Committee, including agenda preparation, meeting documentation, minute-taking, and action tracking.
• Liaise with the Trustee’s general and cyber risk advisers and manage follow‑up actions between meetings.
• Co‑ordinate completion of the Trustee’s own risk assessment and review of the Trustee’s system of governance and risk management framework
• Lead reporting of key Committee activities and recommendations to the Trustee Board.
• Identify and recommend improvements to governance, controls, and risk management, in line with best practice and our ethos of continuous improvement.
• Act as a role model within the Secretariat team, sharing knowledge and promoting best practice.
• Support the Head of Trustee Governance in delivering and monitoring progress against the five‑year strategic business plan.
• Lead and coordinate key governance projects to ensure successful implementation of strategic priorities.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven pensions governance experience within an in-house or consultancy environment (essential).
• Strong understanding of UK occupational pensions legislation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of risk management, controls, and compliance processes.
• Experience acting as project manager in a governance, audit, or risk management context.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Analytical and strategic thinking ability.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., APMI, Institute and Faculty of Actuaries) or equivalent experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Contributory pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Study assistance and professional development support
• Corporate benefits, cycle‑to‑work scheme, and Employee Assistance Program

Interested?

If this sounds like your next career move, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of a team that drives best practice in pensions governance and risk management.