Police Scotland pensions professionals are responsible for delivery of the pension service offering to around 20,000 employees.

We are currently recruiting for a wide range of job roles in our finance department. We’re looking for experienced pensions professionals who can deliver to an excellent standard, ensure compliance with statutory and organisational regulations and play a key role in the development of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority’s pension service offering.

Work Location: Flexible

Role Purpose:

The Head of Pensions is the specialist lead providing the Scottish Police Authority and Police Scotland with a professional, efficient and expert pension service offering enabling assurance on compliance with the statutory responsibilities of the employer and that of the Accountable Officer, for workplace pensions.

Whilst the reporting line sits under Finance, this senior role has dedicated responsibility for the delivery and communication of the organisation's pension strategy, along with governance oversight of pensions-related activity across the wider organisation.

The Head of Pensions is also responsible for in-house pensions function as well as the risk management, performance monitoring and business planning for pensions for the organisation.

Education, Qualification, Skills and Experience:

Educational/Occupational (Essential)

Associate or Fellow of the Pensions Management Institute
Specialist knowledge of relevant UK pensions and related tax legislation, Public Sector Pensions and occupational pension scheme compliance requirements.
Considerable post-qualification experience in leading a Pensions service or function in a complex environment.
Excellent technical pension’s knowledge.
Strong project and organisational management skills, including in relation to efficient delivery of pension projects within challenging timescales.

· Coaching and mentoring skills.

Considerable experience of delivering against strategically linked pension objectives.
Considerable experience of effectively building partnerships and working with internal and external stakeholders.
Considerable experience of presenting to Executive Boards and Committees.
Sound knowledge of data protection legislation requirements.
Understanding of equality and diversity and legislative requirements in relation to service delivery.
Significant experience of operating in a senior and strategic level role within a complex pensions environment - incorporating the design and delivery of strategies and work plans, and leading a team through times of change.
Extremely strong leadership and team management capability, with demonstrable experience of leading and motivating teams.
A demonstrable track record of delivering results under pressure, and being able to manage competing priorities in an effective and resilient manner.
Strong experience of working to achieve results within a complex matrix environment, comprising internal and external stakeholders and working with colleagues from a variety of operational and support-based service lines.
Ability to appraise options for change and translate problems and ideas into implementable plans.
Political astuteness with an ability to develop networks and to deliver challenge in a constructive manner.
Proven ability to solve complex problems - capable of operating both as a strategic lead, co-ordinating and leading a team, whilst also being able to get into detail to understand the root-cause of problems when appropriate.
Experience of delivering change/transformation.

Personal Qualities (Essential)

Demonstrable ability to collaborate with and influence people at the most senior levels within the organisation and in stakeholder organisations.
Extremely strong interpersonal skills in rapidly establishing rapport and credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders and considerable experience of effectively building partnerships and collaborative relationships.
Considerable experience of working with and presenting to Executive Boards and Committees, engaging with Senior decision makers, acting as a trusted advisor to create long-term links and work effectively within decision-making structures.
Strong project and organisational management skills, including in relation to, efficient delivery of work/projects within challenging timescales.
Excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
Strong and effective influencing skills, at director level and in a sceptical environment
Considerable experience of delivering against strategically linked objectives.
Demonstrable experience of leading continuous improvement initiatives.
Problem solving in a complex/multi-dimensional environment.
Politically astute with an understanding of formal and informal national and organisational politics and what this means for our partners.
Understanding of equality and diversity and legislative requirements in relation to service delivery.
Ability to quickly and effectively prioritise in a complex environment of multiple competing demands and rapid change
Ability to develop positive and constructive business relationships.
Ability to draw on a range of influencing styles and tailor communications.
Ability to communicate with impact and clarity.
Willingness and ability to constructively challenge and/or deliver difficult messages.
Enthusiastic and effective at working collaboratively as part of a senior management team
High level of professionalism.
Resilient and adaptable.
Committed and passionate about the organisation.

Working in policing is exciting and challenging. As part of our employment package we offer:

Competitive salaries and annual salary increments
Local Government Pension Scheme
28 days annual leave and six public holidays on appointment
Access to a wide range of quality training and development opportunities.
Access to flexitime.
Excellent wellbeing support and employee assistance and discounts and savings through our rewards and benefits network.

Are you ready for a finance or pensions job like no other?

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