Senior Manager

at  Meredith Brown Associates

This purpose driven responsible investor are currently seeking a “Head of Employee Management Services” join their team. This dynamic position requires the ability to think critically, anticipate needs, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. The role would suit a qualified Accountant who brings a strong pensions covenant, audit, or funding strategy background. Strong relationship, consulting skills and pensions knowledge will be highly beneficial.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build, maintain and strengthen internal and external relationships.
• Understanding of the principles of employer covenant assessment in the context of pension schemes and capable of applying risk management techniques in this context.
• Ability to think strategically about business needs and engagement with stakeholders, continually striving for improvements in quality, efficiency and presentation.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and report writing skills.
• Ability to engage and influence senior finance, legal and actuarial professionals and to challenge senior leadership on financial matters.
• Experience in leading a small team, ensuring their development and ability to deliver outcomes within tight timescales.
• Knowledge of the LGPS and its regulations is desirable but not essential.
  To hear more about this exciting opportunity, please contact Karen Consalvi on 020 7847 8874 or email your CV to karen@meredithbrown.com
  Ref: KC748681
  Please note: that due to the high volume of applicants responding to our adverts we are regrettably not able to feed back on all applications; only successful candidates will be contacted.

• Manage a small team (of 2) that regularly assess financial accounts, risk registers and management forecasts and apply judgment in determining the financial strength of an employer.
• Assess more complex scenarios where an employer is undergoing significant change or is in distress and make appropriate recommendations to senior leadership.
• Continually develop the Company’s covenant assessment model to ensure it remains fit for purpose and adapts to the changing landscape.
• Determine appropriate security and other covenant protections to manage employer risk to the Fund, where appropriate.
• Continuously build, strengthen and maintain employer relationships, communicating effectively to ensure the Company continues to be a proactive, engaging and well-run Fund.
• Negotiate with senior stakeholders to reach an appropriate outcome for the employer and Company in areas such as covenant, contributions, governance policies, etc.
• Develop the employer engagement strategy, working collaboratively with outsourced administrator, to enhance the Company’s communication and interaction with employers to continually improve the employer experience.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team/CEO to achieve the Company’s objectives.
• Deliver reports on EMS activity and prepare recommendations to the Company’s Board and Committees.
• Own the roll out of the Pensions Administration Strategy, ensuring employers are aware of their responsibilities and monitoring performance against these requirements.