ABOUT THE ROLE
To realize Samara’s ambitious strategic priorities, a significant and multifaceted effort will be required. Sustained success hinges on the cultivation and preservation of a high-caliber, globally competitive team.
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 spearheading pensions actuarial engagements, cultivating and maintaining strong client relationships, and meticulously reviewing and endorsing actuarial reports. Additionally, they will contribute to the strategic expansion of our pensions advisory division.
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 include collaborating with diverse pension schemes, trustees, employers, regulators, and other stakeholders on valuation, funding, risk management, governance, and strategic advisory initiatives.
The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional technical actuarial expertise alongside sound commercial acumen, exceptional client relationship management abilities, and a proven aptitude for guiding and cultivating junior team members.
As a Senior Pensions Actuary, your responsibilities will include:
We are seeking a candidate to fulfill pivotal responsibilities, including overseeing project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, and maintaining high standards of quality. The ideal applicant will collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, address operational challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Additionally, they will be accountable for managing stakeholder expectations, delivering reports as required, and upholding compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs and prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
Leading and overseeing pensions actuarial projects, encompassing actuarial valuations, funding assessments, regulatory disclosures, benefit analyses, member computation tasks, and related consulting services.
Responsibilities include examining and endorsing actuarial reports to verify their technical precision, the caliber of guidance provided, and adherence to relevant professional and regulatory requirements.
Offering expert actuarial guidance to pension scheme trustees, sponsors, employers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Professional Rewriting:
We provide expert guidance to clients on a range of pension scheme-related topics, including funding strategies, risk mitigation, investment planning, benefit design, liability management, and governance frameworks.
Serving as a key liaison with clients, providing expert guidance on pensions, actuarial principles, and retirement planning matters.
Responsibilities include managing project execution, from planning and budgeting to resource allocation, invoicing, receivables, and ensuring projects are completed within specified timelines.
Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of actuarial models, calculations, assumptions, and methodologies, as well as the outputs generated from reports, constitutes a key responsibility of the role.
Coaching, mentoring, and guiding junior actuarial staff to enhance their professional growth, with a focus on delivering technical training and strengthening their skill sets.
Assisting in the expansion of the pensions actuarial practice by contributing to business development initiatives, preparing proposals, and driving growth opportunities.
Collaborate seamlessly with professionals across actuarial, administration, investments, consulting, and other key business teams.
Driving advancements in thought leadership, technical research, and the enhancement of internal methodologies and tools.
*Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in a similar role, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality results. Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, and advanced degrees or specialized certifications are highly advantageous. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Fluency in industry-specific software and tools, as well as proficiency in data analysis and reporting, is mandatory. Additionally, experience with project management methodologies and cross-functional leadership is preferred.*
The successful applicant will possess the following qualifications:
A recognized actuarial professional body must confer Associate or Fellow status as a prerequisite for consideration.
With a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience in pensions actuarial consulting or a closely aligned pensions advisory capacity, proficiency in this specialized field is expected.
Strong technical knowledge of pension scheme valuations, funding, accounting, benefit calculations and actuarial reporting.
Seasoned professionals with a history of examining actuarial reports or individuals eager to assume signing authority are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of pension scheme governance principles, the complexities of trustee advisory roles, and the strategic considerations relevant to both employers and sponsors.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in fostering and maintaining strong client relationships, coupled with the capacity to articulate complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner for key decision-makers.
Demonstrated expertise in project management, encompassing the capacity to oversee diverse assignments, adhere to strict deadlines, and align with client expectations.
Demonstrates a strong track record in mentoring, coaching, and fostering the professional growth of actuarial students and junior team members.
Commercial acumen, encompassing a thorough understanding of revenue generation, stringent billing protocols, efficient collections processes, and a strong focus on profitability.
Exceptional proficiency in both written and verbal communication is essential.
Professional excellence is upheld through rigorous accountability and a steadfast commitment to quality assurance.
A proactive approach, characterized by a strong sense of accountability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to cultivate trusted partnerships.
Advantageous experience includes familiarity with industry-standard tools and methodologies relevant to the role. Candidates with prior exposure to similar processes or systems may find their application strengthened. Such background can provide a foundation for quicker adaptation and enhanced performance in the position.
An added benefit would be the possession of the following attributes and qualifications:
Proficiency in handling occupational pension schemes, retirement funds, umbrella funds, and public-sector pension arrangements is required.
Advising both trustees and employer sponsors constitutes a core aspect of this role, requiring experience in delivering strategic guidance to these key stakeholders.
With experience in pension reform initiatives, retirement policy development, social security frameworks, regulatory advisory engagements, or public-sector pension assignments, candidates will be well-prepared to contribute effectively.
Proficiency in the development of actuarial models, process automation, data analytics, or pensions administration transformation is required.
Experienced professionals who have successfully directed teams or overseen multiple client assignments are encouraged to apply.
Demonstrated expertise in operating within diverse international markets, with a proven ability to adapt strategies to varying regional demands and regulatory environments.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
8 years
