Human Resources, EMEA Pensions Manager, Director; AVP equivalent

Human Resources, EMEA Pensions Manager, Director (AVP equivalent)

London

We’re seeking someone to join our team as a Pensions Manager. The Pensions Manager is a core member of the EMEA Benefits Team, working closely with the Head of Pensions to drive the Firm’s and the Trustees’ pension priorities. The role is responsible for the day-to-day governance, operational control and regulatory compliance of pension arrangements. The successful candidate will take on operational and governance ownership across the main group pension plans, AVC plan, offshore and number of legacy plans with total assets in excess of £2.5bn.

They will do this by managing projects/ BAU cycles, senior stakeholders and external vendors effectively via a strong focus on task execution.

In the Human Resources division, we provide advice and insight to attract, retain, reward and develop a talented global workforce, giving employees the support and tools they need to succeed. This is a Director level position within the Benefits team. The EMEA Benefits and Pensions Team is responsible for the management, monitoring and development of the Benefit and Pension Programmes in the UK, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The team operates across all business lines and is assisted by an outsourced service centre, responsible for the administration of the Benefits and Pensions Programme. The team continues to focus on meeting its key objectives of increased appreciation of the value of employee benefits, continual development of benefits to be competitive, as well as governance and control of risk and cost.

Since 1935, Morgan Stanley is known as a global leader in financial services, always evolving and innovating to better serve our clients and our communities in more than 40 countries around the world.

What you’ll do in the role:

• Own the pension calendar, proactively drive activities and report on progress.
• Manage a range of vendors and advisors; activities will include regular meetings/reviews, monitoring service levels, service improvements, change control and risk management on an ongoing basis.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and strive for continuous improvement.
• Troubleshoot operational issues.
• Monitor expenses in line with agreed budgets.
• Manage projects from time to time as required e.g. valuations, vendor reviews, fund changes, Trustee appointments.

• Act as day‑to‑day contact for Trustees and third‑party relationships.
• Review and challenge advice provided.
• Provide pension SME support to and collaborate with other business functions – HR business partners, Payroll, Finance, Legal etc.
• Draft and issue member/employee communications.
• Prepare written presentations and communications and present verbally to audiences of all sizes and levels (including Trustee Board).
• Respond to complex queries from employees.

• Ensure the Firm and Trustees comply with regulatory requirements and internal risk processes e.g. annual audit, TCFD reporting, auto‑enrolment, vendor due diligence.
• Coordinate meetings and governance cycles.
  
  Work with Plan Secretary and external advisors to prepare Trustee agendas/packs.
• Maintain plan documentation, policies, records and process documents.
• Work with Plan Actuary on annual IAS
  19/ GAAP and ICAAP submissions.
• Review industry best practice and legislative updates to inform operation and policy.

• Support the delivery of the Flexible Benefits Annual Enrolment project.
• Support the broader team with ad‑hoc projects and tasks.

• At least 6 years' relevant experience would generally be expected to find the skills required for this role
• Strong organisation skills, a structured and methodical approach and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong multi‑tasking skills to drive a large number of work streams independently.
• Ability to execute tasks in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• A client‑oriented approach and willingness to go the extra mile to achieve high quality service/ output.
• Established business written and verbal communication skills.
• Intellectual curiosity, solid motivation and collaborative…