SCS1 Pensions Expert Advisor

Could you help shape the next generation of pensions reform? DWP are looking for an experienced pensions expert to act as a trusted advisor at the centre of Government decision-making.

The Government is taking forward an ambitious agenda of pension reforms and given the very technical nature of this area is looking for a pension expert who can work alongside officials to act as a trusted adviser to DWP Ministers.

This requires significant impactful personal leadership working collaboratively with senior officials in DWP, Ministers, other Government Departments and external delivery and industry partners. This role will focus on the Government’s commitment implementation of the Pensions Schemes Act 2026 and the Government’s response to the Pension Commission.

The successful candidate will bring expert and external knowledge of Private and Workplace Pensions policy. They will have strong relationships with industry, think tanks and the private sector and help build bridges into the Department. This is a highly technical and often complex policy area with significant economic and market implications. The postholder will have in-depth understanding of the history, nuances and potential future direction of this policy upon starting the role.

However, above all, they will work with and through the policy teams to shape advice and feed into the development of policy in a collaborative and joined up way.

The post holder will support colleagues with the implementation of the Pensions Schemes Act 2016 and the secondary legislation required.

They will bring expert and external knowledge to the Department in the following areas:

• Private and Workplace Pensions policy, including Defined Contribution schemes
• Long-term Ageing Society Issues
• Person specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their knowledge, experience and skills against the following essential criteria:

Experience working at a whole system level, engaging with experts and stakeholders across Government, industry, and the wider pensions ecosystem to develop approaches grounded in a deep understanding of customers, markets, and the levers required to deliver positive outcomes—particularly within complex, economically significant areas such as pensions and financial security.

Has the personal impact to influence, built trusted relationships and challenge at the most senior organisational levels, with experience of managing complex issues at Ministerial/Executive level.

Significant experience leading high-profile, technically complex policy agendas, including pensions or related areas such as financial inclusion, ageing society challenges, or long-term savings. Proven ability to drive delivery of primary and secondary legislation (e.g. Pensions Bill), as well as overseeing large-scale, multi-stage policy reviews with wide-ranging economic and market implications.

In-depth understanding of the UK pensions system, including private and workplace pensions (such as Defined Contribution schemes and Local Government Pension Schemes), State Pension policy, and broader retirement outcomes. Strong grasp of the history, current challenges, and future direction of the pensions landscape, with the credibility to engage authoritatively with industry and external experts from the outset.

Final date to receive applications is Monday 3rd August 2026 at 12 noon.