We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Defined Contribution (DC) Proposition to join our Trustee Fiduciary Services team based in either our Darlington or London office (hybrid working) on a permanent basis.
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 roleThis role is an incredible opportunity to play a key role in shaping Railpen’s DC future. As the Head of DC Proposition, this role will lead the design, development and ongoing enhancement of Railpen’s DC proposition, ensuring it remains member-centric, well-governed and compliant with regulatory expectations. This is a senior, strategic role requiring technical expertise across DC investment, governance, regulation and administration. You will act as a subject-matter expert to trustees, Railpen committees, and senior internal stakeholders, ensuring the DC proposition is aligned with organisational strategy and best practice.
This role is classified as a ‘Certified Person’ under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR) and will therefore be subject to the additional requirements prescribed by the FCA.This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The personWe are looking for someone with deep expertise across Defined Contribution (DC) pensions who can help shape and strengthen our DC proposition for the future. The ideal candidate will bring a vast understanding of DC investment principles, governance requirements, TPR codes, VFM frameworks and regulatory expectations, alongside experience within a Master Trust environment and a sound knowledge of DC administration. They will have proven leadership experience working with Trustees, committees, senior executives and cross‑functional teams, and a track record of delivering complex DC change initiatives in a cross-functional environment.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic, collaborative and approachable leader who thrives in complexity and excels at translating technical detail into clear communication for stakeholders at every level. They will bring the ability to influence, inspire and secure genuine buy‑in across the organisation, helping drive meaningful progress and aligned decision‑making. They will play a key role in shaping exceptional member experiences, working closely with our Member Services team to enhance engagement, guidance, planning tools and the overall retirement journey. Above all, we are looking for someone with passion, purpose and a commitment to helping us secure our members.
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 you
A competitive salary
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
Heath & Wellbeing
Employee assistance programme
Heath cash plan
Eye care vouchers
Flu vaccination
Lifestyle
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 for the apply button or visit Careers Page by Friday 27th February 2026.
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life
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
