ABOUT THE ROLE
Delivering on Samara’s bold strategic objectives presents a multifaceted challenge that demands excellence. Ensuring sustained success hinges on assembling and nurturing a high-caliber team capable of top-tier performance.
We seek a seasoned pension actuary to fill a senior position within our actuarial consulting team.
The ideal candidate will assume a pivotal role in directing pensions actuarial projects, cultivating and maintaining client partnerships, approving and endorsing actuarial reports, and fostering the expansion of our pensions advisory services.
This position offers an Associate or Fellow actuary with extensive pensions expertise the chance to assume a prominent leadership role within an expanding advisory firm. The responsibilities encompass collaborating with diverse pension schemes, trustees, employers, regulators, and other key stakeholders on critical areas such as valuations, funding strategies, risk management, governance frameworks, and strategic advisory services.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional technical actuarial expertise alongside sound commercial judgment, outstanding client management abilities, and a proven capacity to mentor and develop junior team members.
As a Senior Pensions Actuary, you will be tasked with overseeing and executing a range of critical responsibilities, including the analysis and valuation of pension schemes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing strategic advice to clients on pension-related matters. Your role will also involve leading actuarial projects, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored pension solutions. Additionally, you will be responsible for preparing detailed actuarial reports, conducting risk assessments, and contributing to the development of innovative pension strategies that align with both client objectives and industry best practices.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to oversee critical operational tasks, ensuring seamless execution of key projects and initiatives. The role involves managing stakeholder relationships, driving process improvements, and maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, monitoring performance metrics, and implementing strategic solutions to optimize productivity. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to dynamic business environments. Proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies, along with a track record of delivering measurable results, is essential.
Directing and overseeing pension actuarial projects, such as actuarial valuations, funding assessments, financial reporting disclosures, benefit evaluations, member benefit calculations, and other consulting engagements.
Responsible for examining and endorsing actuarial reports, verifying their technical precision, the quality of advice provided, and adherence to relevant professional and regulatory standards.
Offering expert actuarial guidance to pension scheme trustees, sponsors, employers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Providing guidance to clients on matters such as pension scheme funding, risk management, investment strategy, benefit design, liability management, and governance ensures their financial stability and compliance with regulatory standards.
You will oversee client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on pensions actuarial and retirement matters.
Responsibilities include managing the full project lifecycle—from strategic planning and budget allocation to resource optimization—along with overseeing billing processes, collections, and ensuring client deliverables are completed punctually.
Conduct a thorough examination of actuarial models, computations, underlying assumptions, methodologies, and the resulting report outputs.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to junior actuarial team members, facilitating technical training and enhancing their skills and expertise.
Facilitating the expansion of the pensions actuarial practice by driving business development initiatives and preparing comprehensive proposals.
Collaborating effectively with professionals across actuarial, administration, investments, consulting, and other business teams.
We advance thought leadership initiatives, conduct technical research, and drive the evolution of internal methodologies and tools.
With a minimum of five years in a relevant field, you possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration is essential. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in industry-standard software are required to excel in this role. Additionally, you must exhibit exceptional communication abilities to liaise with stakeholders at all levels. Problem-solving acumen and adaptability to dynamic environments are also critical attributes for success.
The preferred applicant must possess the following qualifications:
Required credentials include either Associate or Fellow status from a recognized actuarial professional body.
With a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience in pensions actuarial consulting or a comparable pensions advisory position is required.
Proficient in pension scheme valuations, funding mechanisms, accounting principles, benefit calculations, and actuarial reporting, with a solid technical foundation.
Proficiency in reviewing actuarial reports or demonstrated readiness to assume signing responsibilities is required.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of pension scheme governance principles, trustee advisory services, and the distinct perspectives of employers and sponsors.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining strong client relationships, coupled with a talent for articulating complex technical concepts in a manner that resonates with senior stakeholders.
Accomplished project leadership expertise, characterized by the capacity to oversee diverse tasks, meet stringent deadlines, and align with client expectations.
Demonstrated expertise in guiding, mentoring, and nurturing actuarial students and junior team members.
Commercial acumen, encompassing a deep understanding of revenue generation, stringent billing practices, effective collections’ management, and a commitment to profitability.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in both written and spoken communication.
Upholding exceptional professionalism, ensuring strict accountability, and maintaining meticulous quality control standards.
A proactive approach is essential, characterized by a strong sense of ownership, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to cultivate trusted relationships.
Advantageous experience includes familiarity with [specific industry, software, or processes], prior roles in [relevant field], and hands-on involvement in [specific tasks or projects]. Candidates with a proven track record in [key skill or responsibility] or those who have contributed to [relevant achievements] will be strongly considered. Exposure to [specific tools, methodologies, or regulations] is also desirable, as is experience collaborating in [team settings or cross-functional environments]. Additionally, any demonstrated ability in [specific competency] or successful completion of [relevant training or certifications] will enhance an application.
The following would be an added advantage:
Proven expertise in managing occupational pension schemes, retirement funds, umbrella funds, or public-sector pension arrangements is required.
Experienced in providing guidance to both trustees and employer sponsors.
Proficiency in areas such as pension reform initiatives, retirement policy frameworks, social security systems, regulatory advisory services, or engagements within the public-sector pension domain is required.
Proficiency in constructing actuarial models, implementing automation solutions, performing data analytics, or leading pensions administration transformation initiatives is required.
Demonstrated leadership in team management or oversight of client assignment portfolios is required.
Across diverse international markets, relevant professional experience has been acquired.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 years
