Working as part of the financial services, pensions managers are responsible for overseeing private or company pension schemes and ensuring that these schemes remain effective and viable. A pensions manager typically manages a team of pension advisors and carries out tasks such as developing strategies with investment managers and the board, addressing complicated claims and providing / analysing financial reports. Candidates applying for this management role need to be confident decision makers and have strong maths, business and communication skills. Specialist finance recruitment agencies are experienced at sourcing pensions managers with these necessary qualities and supplying them for the permanent and interim positions of their clients.
Salaries
The job role of a pensions manager is typically office based and personnel should expect to work a 9 - 5 week with potential long hours towards the end of the tax year. Average starting salaries tend to be around £18,000 although experience can see this rise considerably with senior managers being able to earn in excess of £50,000 plus bonuses. Large UK insurance companies in London usually offer the best salaries and job opportunities, while investment consultancies in the South East also provide a good route into the role.
Qualifications and entry requirements
A finance background is vital to becoming a pensions manager and qualifications in accountancy or insurance is usually required of candidates. Administrators are able to work their way up to management positions but undergoing qualifications with the Pensions Management Institute or the Chartered Insurance Institute is recommended. Large companies may also provide pensions manager training schemes but entry requirements for these may include A-levels and / or university degrees. A financial services recruitment agency will understand the industry's demand for professionals with these qualifications and will have assessment procedures in place to source the most suitable staff for their clients.