EMEA Pensions Manager - Director level (equivalent to AVP)

Unlocking a Strategic Career: EMEA Pensions Manager (Director Level) at Morgan Stanley

Are you an experienced pensions professional looking to make a significant impact within a global financial services leader? Morgan Stanley is seeking a dynamic and highly capable EMEA Pensions Manager at a Director level (equivalent to AVP) to join their robust EMEA Benefits Team in London. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape and manage critical pension priorities across a substantial portfolio of plans.

This position is more than just a managerial role; it's a chance to be at the heart of the Human Resources division, contributing to the firm’s strategy for attracting, retaining, rewarding, and developing a talented global workforce. With oversight of pension plans totaling over £2.5 billion in assets, this role promises considerable influence and visibility.

Key Advantages of This Opportunity:

• High Impact & Strategic Influence: You will work closely with the Head of Pensions, directly driving the Firm's and Trustees' pension priorities, managing significant plan changes, and ensuring robust governance across a diverse range of plans, including defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC), offshore, and legacy schemes.
• Leadership at an Industry Leader: Join Morgan Stanley, a renowned industry leader celebrated for its excellence, ethical standards, and commitment to mobilising capital globally. This offers unparalleled exposure and career prestige.
• Broad & Complex Portfolio: Engage with a diverse set of pension plans with substantial assets, offering continuous learning and the application of expertise across varied regulatory landscapes within EMEA.
• Significant Project Involvement: Play a crucial role in current and upcoming high-profile projects such as Governance review and General Code compliance, Dashboard readiness, GMP equalisation, the Triennial valuation, and Decumulation pathways (2025+). This ensures your work remains at the cutting edge of pension developments.
• Collaborative & Supportive Environment: Morgan Stanley fosters a culture of diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and cross-collaboration. You'll find a supportive team and a company committed to employee well-being, including attractive benefits and flexible working arrangements.
• Visibility and Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present updates and proposals at Trustee meetings, review and challenge external advice, and present updates to the Morgan Stanley UK Limited Board. You will also manage key third-party vendor relationships and act as a subject matter expert for HR business partners.

Who Should Consider This Role? (Key Considerations for Candidates):

This Director-level position is ideal for a professional with a proven track record in pensions management and a desire for a challenging, impactful role. Here’s what Morgan Stanley is looking for:

• Experience Profile: You should bring 4-7 years of pension experience with a strong investment background, ideally within the financial services industry. Essential is DC experience, while familiarity with DB, offshore, and EMEA pensions will be highly beneficial.
• Expertise in Governance & Legislation: A deep understanding of UK pensions issues, current and prospective legislation, and industry best practices is crucial. Experience managing in-house schemes is a plus.
• Strong Project Management Acumen: The ability to manage your own workload, prioritise numerous workstreams, and oversee complex projects from start to finish (e.g., triennial valuation, auto-enrolment, vendor reviews) is essential.
• Stakeholder Management Skills: You will be comfortable working with a diverse range of pension stakeholders, including trustees, sponsors, advisors, and administrators, building effective relationships.
• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Excellent attention to detail, strong analytical, and data skills are vital for success in managing financial data, compliance, and reporting.
• Proactive & Innovative Mindset: Morgan Stanley values individuals who are flexible, enthusiastic, service-oriented, and possess a can-do approach. A desire for continuous improvement and innovation will set you apart.
• Qualifications: While a pensions qualification (part- or fully-qualified IFA/PMI) is advantageous, it is not essential; practical experience and demonstrated capability are key.

Guiding Your Career Path:

Stepping into this Director-level role at Morgan Stanley positions you at the forefront of pension management within a global powerhouse. You will not only deepen your technical expertise across complex pension structures but also hone your strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and project oversight skills. This opportunity offers a clear path to influence significant financial decisions and policy within a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Morgan Stanley is committed to helping its employees maximise their full potential, providing a platform for continuous learning and career advancement within the firm's global network.

If you are eager to create, innovate, and make a tangible impact in the world of pensions, this role at Morgan Stanley could be the definitive next step in your professional journey. Join a team that values diverse perspectives, individual intellect, and collaborative success.