We have been retained to represent a leading Pensions and Lifetime Savings Trade Association in their pursuit of a new Director of Policy & Advocacy. This pivotal role is critical in leading the association's efforts in public policy, research, and advocacy while contributing to the strategic and operational leadership of the organization.
The association represents pension schemes that collectively provide retirement income to over 30 million savers in the UK and invest more than £1.3 trillion domestically and internationally. Members include asset managers, consultants, law firms, fintechs, and others influential in financial futures.
The association is dedicated to improving the retirement incomes of savers in the UK by ensuring adequate savings during working lives, responsible investment, high standards in pension schemes, effective regulation, and helping people understand their retirement options.
Key Responsibilities:
- Policy and Advocacy Leadership: Lead and develop the policy and advocacy function, contributing to the strategic development of the association.
- Policy Development: Develop policies on pension and retirement income issues, savings incentives, and access to pension savings, producing high-quality, evidence-based reports and responses to influence public policy.
- Programme Delivery: Set and deliver a clear work program that meets strategic objectives through effective planning and high-quality policy and research activities.
- Research Leadership: Develop and deliver a compelling research program that meets the needs of the Policy and Advocacy team and other teams within the association.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with the Policy Board Chair and industry figures to manage and develop the policy and research work program, understanding member views and providing a cohesive voice for the industry.
- Executive Responsibilities: Serve as an executive and board director of the association, leading a team of 20 specialists and contributing to the strategic and operational development of the organization.
- Public Representation: Act as a key spokesperson, representing the association at meetings and events with senior officials, parliamentarians, and industry leaders.
Essential Experience:
- Strong track record of influencing public policy outcomes.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues for various audiences and secure buy-in for ideas.
- Substantial experience in policy development.
- Proven senior-level experience in a complex organization, such as a membership body or large private sector organization.
- Experience in public speaking, particularly at industry events.
- Proven ability to lead and develop a team.
- Strong political acumen, with experience working with and lobbying government and regulators.
- Experience in pensions policy or financial services, with a sound knowledge of pensions and retirement income matters.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience dealing with the media (print and broadcast).
Key Skills and Personal Attributes:
- Persuasiveness and creative flair in presenting strong, well-reasoned arguments.
- Ability to work autonomously and plan effectively.
- Naturally collaborative style.
- Outstanding leadership skills to lead, motivate, inspire, and get the best out of people.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent.
- Ability to develop trust across a range of audiences.
Benefits:
This opportunity offers a salary of circa £150,000 per annum, plus a bonus of up to 20% based on performance. Additional benefits include private medical cover, an annual health check, life assurance, a 20% pension (15% employer/5% employee), a health cash plan, and 30 days annual leave.
The role is based near Monument Station, with a hybrid working policy in place. The postholder is expected to spend around 50% of their time in central London at the association's office or at key stakeholder locations such as government departments, parliament, and the pensions industry.
Application Process:
If you are an ambitious individual with policy background and a passion for improving the pensions and lifetime savings landscape, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your CV by 27th June. All candidates will be required to include a cover letter. Candidate pack available upon request.