We are currently recruiting for the position of Senior Consultant within the retirement team of our client, a leading independent provider of pensions services.
As a Senior Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing a portfolio of defined benefit pension scheme clients. Your primary focus will be to leverage your extensive knowledge and experience to cultivate and enhance client relationships. Beyond client management, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the business by assuming responsibilities such as staff management, active participation in technical and/or operational initiatives, and involvement in securing new business opportunities.
This role offers a dynamic environment where you can showcase your skills and expertise while contributing to the ongoing success of our client’s retirement team. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for pension services and a proven track record in client management, we encourage you to apply.
Key Accountabilities:
Client Meetings:
• Prepare and coordinate meeting agendas with clients.
• Schedule meeting dates with clients and relevant team members; compile electronic meeting packs.
• Regularly attend and present at client meetings.
• Prepare, review, and distribute meeting packs, minutes, and action lists within one week of the meeting date.
• Set and agree upon timescales for actions and projects.
• Circulate minutes and action lists to team members, ensuring timely progress.
Client Relationship Management:
• Act as the primary company relationship manager for assigned clients.
• Address day-to-day queries related to new and existing business.
• Analyse client situations, identify needs, and propose suitable solutions aligned with client objectives.
• Define clear fee structures within company parameters; conduct regular fee reviews.
• Provide advice in line with company views and client objectives.
• Supervise the implementation of client advice by the client team.
• Take ownership to resolve client problems satisfactorily.
Buy-in / Buy-out Support:
• Support schemes in transitioning to buy-in/buy-out, ensuring transaction readiness.
• Collaborate with administration, actuarial, investment, and legal teams.
• Assist with feasibility work, monitor positions, and address data gaps.
• Prepare data and benefit specifications for quotations.
• Monitor progress in GMP equalisation implementation.
• Drive projects, ensuring timely actions; update and monitor project plans.
• Draft member communications.
Technical / Process:
• Attend and contribute to Consultancy Team & CRM meetings.
• Lead team-wide initiatives and projects.
• Provide training internally and trustee training for clients.
• Assist in recruitment and team growth.
• Oversee installation of new clients.
• Conduct peer reviews for Consultancy Team members.
• Mentor and develop assistant consultants and consultants.
• Oversee tasks to ensure adherence to procedures and policies.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and maintain technical pensions knowledge.
Business Development:
• Take ownership of revenue generation.
• Identify and respond to potential risks and opportunities with business leadership.
• Develop relationships with third parties to generate new business.
• Support the new business team with ‘new from new’ leads and opportunities.
• Cross-sell services to Group Risk, PMI, and DC consultancy.
Key Skills
• Knowledge and experience of UK defined benefit pension schemes
• Able to provide excellent customer service to clients and build strong client relationships
• Motivated and organised, able to manage own workloads
• Ability to absorb and communicate technical information
• Strong team-working and communication skills
• Computer literacy including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Professional Qualifications
Preferably attained or sufficient progress with industry qualifications (e.g. PMI) but years of experience taken into account too
Benefits
Candidates can expect a highly competitive salary and extensive benefits package with an exceptional range of flexible benefits allowing for the personalisation of a total reward package.
If you feel you have the skills and experience our client is looking for, please contact us today on 0121- 684 1555 quoting the above role and reference number to discuss the role and client company in greater detail. Alternatively, please send your CV to susan.ford@sfrecruitment.co.uk, quoting the above reference and indicating your salary expectations.