Job details
Salary range: £76,676 - £90,258 per annum
Work location: County Hall/ Kingsgate, Oxford
Hours per week: 37 - we are open to discussions about flexible working
Contract type: Permanent
Vetting Requirements: This role is politically restricted
Closing date: Sunday 7th April 2024
Interview date: Week commencing Monday 15th April 2024
About us
We are one of the 86 Administering Authorities for the LGPS in Engand and Wales, with assets of £3.3bn, over 70,000 scheme members, and 175 active scheme employers. We were 111% funded at the last valuation, with the position significantly improved since then. We also administer the various versions of the Fire Fighters Pension Scheme.
We are members of the Brunel Pension Partnership and currently have 90% of our investments managed through the pool. We are still currently cash positive from our dealings with scheme members, but that is like to change in the short-term so reviewing our asset allocation to meet the needs of the 2025 Valuation and the various demands of scheme employers, liquidity requirements and the Fund’s new Responsible Investment Policy is a key challenge. We are also focussed on improving the governance arrangements of the Fund including compliance with the new General Code of Practice, developing our use of technology to include more self-service functionality for both scheme employers and members, and meeting the every increasing demands of Government requirements.
About the role
As the Head of Pensions, you will be responsible for the leadership and delivery of all LGPS related activity, providing appropriate advice and information to the members of the Pension Fund Committee, Local Pension Board and Fire Pensions Board. You will be responsible for developing the Fund’s strategic approach to funding, investments, administration, governance and communications, and set these out in the relevant statutory policy documents.
You will manage the delivery of services with input from Scheme Employers and Scheme Members and design and develop an appropriate structure of policies and procedures supported by an effective technological infrastructure to enable the Fund to deliver its statutory responsibilities in compliance with the Pension Regulators Code of Practice. You will also play a wider role, supporting the Executive Director of Resources in managing the financial affairs of Oxfordshire County Council, including sitting as a key member of the Council’s Treasurer Management Strategy Team.
About you
Alongside your significant experience of working at a senior level and leading a large team, you will have;
- LGPS Fund experience (within a Pensions or Local Government context)
- Strong and thorough understanding of LGPS Regulations, the Pension Regulator’s Code of Practice and Associated Guidance.
- A strong understanding of Government Policy in respect of the LGPS and planned future direction of travel.
Rewards and benefits
- Culture of flexible working
- Technology to support agile working where role permits
- Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidays
- Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support
- Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9%
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local and national discounts for shopping and travel
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development
Would you like to know more?
Please click here to view the Job Description and Selection Criteria
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Sean Collins, Service Manager Pensions Ins M Mngmt at sean.collins@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Application Procedure
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Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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