Pensions Senior Manager - Governance & Risk

Surrey County Council; Weybridge; On-site; GBP 61,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weybridge is seeking a Pensions Senior Manager to lead governance and risk functions. This role requires substantial leadership experience in pensions, excellent communication skills, and a strategic mindset to ensure effective risk management. Join a dynamic team committed to public service and benefit from a competitive salary and generous leave options.

Benefits

26 days holiday, rising to 31 days

Generous local government pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience in pensions governance and risk.
• Exceptional communication skills to influence stakeholders.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and results delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing team overseeing governance and risk.
• Develop and implement strategic and operational plans.
• Draft and present reports to the Local Pension Board and Committee.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

Description

Salary: £61,784 to £67,859 per annum, 36 hours per week.

Pensions Senior Manager – Governance & Risk

This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving forward the enabling functions that underpin the success of our service. You will lead a team of managers and officers across Governance, Risk and Investment. Working closely with the Head of Pensions – Investment & Governance and the Pensions Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our strategic plan and ensuring it is delivered effectively and efficiently.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering high‑quality public services.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.

About the Team

The Surrey Pension Team is responsible for administering the Surrey Pension Fund, which is part of the national Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Surrey County Council acts as the administering authority, overseeing investment, funding, governance, and the day‑to‑day administration of the fund.

With a value of over £6 billion, the fund supports more than 130,000 members and around 500 participating employers, including councils, universities, colleges, academies, and private sector organisations delivering public services. The team manages the full pension lifecycle – from onboarding new members to processing retirements and dependents’ benefits.

Our mission is to deliver a first‑class customer experience while maintaining the long‑term financial sustainability of the fund. We foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, working closely with stakeholders to ensure our services are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our members.

About the Role

In this role, you will lead and develop a high‑performing team responsible for a range of critical functions. You will play a central role in the governance and oversight of both the Fund and external suppliers and partners, and you will identify, assess, monitor and mitigate risks across the Fund. Protecting the interests of our members is at the heart of everything we do.

You will provide strategic direction for the team as governance and risk requirements evolve, ensuring that best practice is maintained as guidance and regulations change. As part of your responsibilities, you will also deputise for the Head of Pensions – Investment & Governance at key meetings and forums.

Your work will support the development and implementation of both strategic and operational plans for the Surrey Pension Team. In addition, you will be responsible for drafting and presenting reports to the Local Pension Board and Pension Committee.

Shortlisting Criteria

• Substantial senior leadership experience covering both pensions governance and pensions risk management.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong strategic thinking to adapt to change and continuously seek improvement.
• A track record of delivering results on time.
• High proficiency in Microsoft tools (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc.).

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:

1. Describe a time when you led a team through a significant risk‑related challenge. What was the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
2. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your strategic approach in response to changing regulations or guidance. How did you ensure your team maintained best practice?
3. Give an example of how you have influenced senior stakeholders or external partners to support a governance initiative. What challenges did you face?
4. Tell us about a time you were responsible for drafting and presenting a report to a senior board or committee. What was the purpose of the report, how did you ensure it was clear and impactful, and what was the outcome?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact Lloyd Whitworth by e‑mail at [e-mail].

The advert will close at 23:59 on 23rd November 2025 with interviews to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two‑tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation – Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

Files to Download

• Senior Manager – Governance & Risk – Job Description (PDF)