This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development of a second-line compliance framework to oversee Railpen’s continued compliance with its regulatory obligations under the relevant pensions regulations and legislation, as principally determined by the Pensions Regulator (“TPR”).
This is a permanent role offering hybrid working, with London and Darlington considered as base locations.
Who we areRailpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds.
Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our LinkedIn Life page here.
The RoleAs our Compliance Manager (Pensions), you’ll take ownership of the second-line compliance framework relevant to Railpen’s regulatory obligations under the applicable pensions regulations. In your first year, you’ll lead the design and implementation of a risk-based plan of continuous and thematic second line monitoring, creating strong foundations for future success. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, providing expert advice, developing policies and procedures, and designing meaningful management information to relevant governance forums. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact, driving best practice and continuous improvement in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The PersonThe ideal candidate will have strong subject matter expertise in UK DB and DC occupational pension schemes, coupled with a deep understanding of TPR regulation and occupational pension scheme legislation. A background in designing and implementing compliance programmes, conducting risk assessments, and developing policies and monitoring frameworks is essential. Confidence in providing regulatory advice and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of seniority will be key to success. Independence and ownership of complex compliance projects should come naturally, supported by a track record of delivering results.
Alongside technical capability, the role calls for behaviours that foster collaboration and trust. A pragmatic and balanced approach is vital, applying regulation in a practical, solution-focused way. The successful candidate will demonstrate proactive thinking, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an ability to build relationships across teams and seniority levels. Resilience and adaptability are important, as is the capacity to thrive in a changing environment and introduce new ways of working.
Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of ‘fair challenge’, align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer youRewarding youA competitive salary (depending on experience)
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Generous annual bonus plan
We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
4x Life Assurance cover
Colleague referral scheme
Private Medical Insurance
Employee assistance programme
Health cash plan
Eye care vouchers
Flu vaccination
We support hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
Buy and sell holidays
Give as you earn scheme
Paid volunteering days
Flexible half days leave
Electric vehicle leasing
Cycle to work scheme
Please apply via the apply button or visit Careers at Railpen by 5pm on Friday 21st November 2025.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
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What We Do
The Railways Pension Scheme is one of the UK’s largest and longest established pension funds. Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion on behalf of the scheme’s 350,000 members who are connected to the railway industry. Railpen's purpose is to secure our members' future. To achieve this we invest the scheme’s assets to generate strong returns over the long term. Our members and their employers trust us with this very significant responsibility. We are proud of this responsibility, take it very seriously, and are committed to, and passionate about, improving their future lives. Generating the required returns is challenging. To be successful we must constantly strive to be considered a world-class asset owner by our stakeholders, with a proven track record of adding value for our members. This means we have to have excellent people, doing exemplary work, in every part of our business. We use the size of our assets to invest wisely and influentially. Our convictions and a clear set of investment beliefs guide us through complex and changing markets. We’re not afraid to think innovatively or act boldly in the best interests of the members we are proud to serve
