Head of Pension Administration

About the role

We are seeking a senior leader to take overall responsibility for the pension administration business, ensuring the retention and growth of our pension portfolio. The role combines strategic direction, client relationship management and operational oversight to deliver high‑quality service to scheme sponsors and trustees.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic direction, business plans and operating model for the pension administration business in line with the organization’s overall strategy.
• Drive growth, profitability and sustainability through market expansion, client retention and service innovation.
• Lead digital and process transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes and market developments, providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with scheme sponsors, trustees, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex client issues, ensuring timely resolution and high client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with custodians, corporate trustees, investment managers, actuaries, auditors and finance teams to meet service standards and timelines.
• Ensure pension schemes are administered in compliance with the Retirement Benefits Act, RBA Regulations, KRA requirements, trust deeds and other applicable legislation.
• Oversee compliance monitoring, regulatory reporting and governance frameworks across all administered schemes.
• Establish and maintain robust risk management and internal control frameworks to safeguard scheme assets.
• Lead regulatory engagements, audits, inspections and responses to regulatory inquiries.
• Provide leadership for end‑to‑end administration of pension schemes, including processing of member benefits, contributions, transfers and pension payments.
• Drive operational excellence through continuous process improvement and performance monitoring.
• Prepare accurate and timely management, trustee, board and regulatory reports.
• Lead the planning and servicing of trustee, annual general and other statutory meetings, offering guidance on governance and compliance matters.

Required profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in pension administration or related financial services.
• Deep knowledge of retirement benefits legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Proven track record of driving business growth, profitability and operational transformation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build lasting relationships with sponsors, trustees and regulators.
• Demonstrated expertise in risk management, compliance oversight and governance frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking abilities.

Required skills