Pensions Senior Associate (4-7 PQE), Leeds

Overview

In this role you will support a market-leading pensions practice in Leeds, advising on a broad mix of advisory, transactional and regulatory matters. You will work with trustees, employers and insurers to deliver pragmatic, commercially focused solutions within a collaborative, development‑oriented firm. You will handle complex pensions issues across governance, funding, restructurings and transactions while helping to grow the team’s profile with high‑profile clients. This is a chance to shape significant pensions work and progress within a respected international firm culture.

Responsibilities

• Advise trustees, employers, insurers and stakeholders on a broad spectrum of pensions issues
• Support establishment, operation, governance and restructuring of occupational pension schemes
• Advise on scheme funding, mergers, benefit redesigns, wind-ups and other strategic projects
• Draft, review and negotiate pension scheme documentation and transaction materials
• Provide guidance on legislation and regulatory developments affecting schemes and governance
• Advise on pensions aspects of corporate and commercial transactions, including risk identification and mitigation
• Assist with contentious and non-contentious pensions matters, including regulatory investigations and Ombudsman matters
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while delivering practical, commercially driven advice
• Contribute to business development and raise the team’s profile in the pensions market
• Collaborate with colleagues across practice groups and jurisdictions on multidisciplinary matters

Key requirements

• Approximately 4–7 years’ PQE in pensions law
• Strong technical knowledge of UK pensions legislation, regulation and governance
• Experience advising on a broad range of pensions matters including transactional, funding and regulatory issues
• Excellent drafting and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex issues into practical advice
• Experience managing client relationships with autonomy
• Knowledge of adviser and insurer-related issues in defined contribution schemes (advantageous)
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Commercial awareness and a collaborative approach to client service

• collaborative
• commercially aware
• client‑focussed
• UK pensions legislation
• pensions regulation and governance
• transactional pensions experience

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