Pensions Manager Finance

The starting salary for this role is 48,698 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract opportunity.

We have an opportunity to join the Surrey Pension Team as a Pension Manager - Finance and make a significant contribution to our service. Operating with a degree of professional independence and autonomy the role will predominantly undertake operational work with some project-related work (the mix will vary according to the nature of the work).

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 Role

In this role, you will lead a small team with responsibility for overseeing the financial management of the Surrey Pension Fund and delivering key operational activities. You will contribute to the delivery of the Surrey Pension Team Finance Strategy, including the preparation of the annual Pension Fund accounts and Annual Report, while ensuring that robust financial controls are in place and effectively monitoring both the service operating budget and the Fund budget. You will also support the day-to-day management of the Finance Team's workload and activities.

Working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, you will build and maintain effective relationships with the Pension Fund Committee, Local Pension Board, employers, auditors, actuaries, funding managers, custodians, and the Fund pool and its partners. You will play an important role in ensuring the smooth operation and governance of the Fund, providing expert financial oversight and support across key areas of activity.

A key aspect of the role will be to champion continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes and implement digital initiatives that align with service priorities. Through this work, you will help improve operational efficiency and deliver a positive customer experience.

You will embrace the Surrey Pension Team's culture of high standards, accountability and professionalism, taking pride in delivering a first-class service and ensuring excellent outcomes for customers and stakeholders alike.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• Degree qualified, or significant vocational experience demonstrating development through involvement in a series of progressively more demanding relevant work/roles.
• Professional qualification, or able to evidence knowledge and understanding of appropriate business disciplines.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, policies and procedures relating to business planning and financial and organisational management.
• Proven written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with good negotiation and influencing skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners/professionals.
• Proven problem-solving skills, and the ability to exercise high levels of initiative to devise and implement workable solutions.
• Previous management experience including staff supervision, development and organisational skills.

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

1. Describe your experience in preparing financial statements or annual accounts. What was your role and what challenges did you overcome?
2. Describe a time when you analysed complex financial data and presented your findings to a non-financial audience. What approach did you take to ensure clarity and impact?
3. How do you approach financial forecasting and managing risk within a large fund or organisation?
4. Tell us about your experience managing a team within a finance function. How did you foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement?

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

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 16/08/2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

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!

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 shortlisting criteria, as displayed on the advert, 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.