Data Quality Lead (Pensions)

Data Quality Lead (Pensions)

Hybrid Working with 2 days in Preston, Lancashire or Remote with Travel for candidates living 50+ miles from our offices in Preston.

£55-65k DOE + Bonus & benefits - 37 hours a week

About Us

LPPA are a leading third party pension administrator for the Local Government, Police, and Fire sectors. Our focus is simple: delivering trusted, accurate and compliant pension services backed by exceptional data quality. As we continue to grow and raise standards across our organisation, we're looking for a Data Quality Lead to drive our data strategy and champion a culture of continuous improvement.

The Role

As our Data Quality Lead, you'll shape the strategic direction for improving scheme member data across LPPA. You'll strengthen controls, enhance assurance arrangements and ensure our data supports regulatory compliance, effective governance and a seamless customer experience. Leading a specialist team of six, you'll develop capability, drive performance and ensure the delivery of a high-quality, independent data quality service. Working closely with the Head of Data and Employer Engagement, you'll bring together data quality frameworks, map and document data flows, and assess the effectiveness of our pensions systems to support a robust and sustainable approach to data governance. This is a senior leadership role where you'll take ownership of data risks, lead remediation activity and champion best practice across pensions data management. It is a strategic role focused on leadership, oversight and continuous improvement, rather than hands on coding or purely analytical delivery.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary £55k-65k DOE + inclusion in annual bonus scheme
• 30 days' holiday, plus bank holidays, two additional concessionary days and one day for your birthday, with the ability to buy and sell leave
• Access to an excellent pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contributions.
• Access to Health or Dental Plan
• Access to our Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for when you might need some support.
• The opportunity to earn through our Employee Referral Scheme.
• Access to our bespoke Reward Discount Scheme - 'Your Perk Site.'
• Opportunities to attend Wellbeing webinars and social events.
• Daily free fruit and snacks available to you in our office.
• Free Car Parking in Preston City Centre
• A collaborative & inclusive organisational culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of LPPA's pensions data improvement plan, aligning priorities to regulatory requirements, client expectations, service performance and business plan objectives.
• Provide senior oversight of data quality by embedding an effective assurance regime, ensuring processes, controls and system design support high-quality pensions administration.
• Work with the Planning and Insights department to understand root causes and the impact of data quality issues.
• Ensure work allocation is effective, with cases processed and prioritised appropriately.
• Oversee data readiness for actuarial valuation activity across Local Government, Police and Fire schemes, in line with scheme member data quality requirements.
• Drive improvements in employer data performance, onboarding arrangements and the quality of data submissions, including oversight of TUPE transfers, employer cessations and new scheme employers.
• Produce and present regular management information, with a focus on root cause and trend analysis against service levels and key performance metrics.
• Support change projects, testing and audit activity, while continually reviewing and challenging processes to maximise the use of technology and improve efficiency.
• Input into the LPPA risk register and, where appropriate, act as a risk owner for data risks, helping to define risk appetite.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of six Data Quality Analysts/Technicians, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous development.
• Build strong relationships across Member Services, Data Services and Employer Engagement to ensure data priorities are integrated into wider service delivery and change programmes.
• Attend and present at client meetings and relevant forums, including committees, boards and employer forums.
• Contribute to budget planning and resource prioritisation.
• Forward plan resource requirements to support Value Added Business activity, working with the Commercial team as required.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of regulatory requirements across Local Government, Police and Fire pension schemes.

What you will bring: Essential

• Previous management or senior management experience, ideally with at least five years' experience.
• At least five years' experience in Local Government pensions administration.
• Experience in client relationship and stakeholder management.
• Experience managing change in a fast-paced and agile environment.
• The ability to interpret and use complex data to inform decisions and drive improvement.
• Experience reviewing and improving end-to-end processes.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence, articulate recommendations and make informed decisions where appropriate.
• In-depth knowledge of pensions administration operations, statutory requirements and industry standards, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory changes to data quality strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including experience in root cause analysis and implementing effective data remediation strategies.
• A comprehensive understanding of data quality frameworks, standards and best practice.
• Experience designing and delivering data quality assurance programmes.
• Proven leadership experience, with a focus on talent development, performance management and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Demonstrable experience leading or contributing to major data transformation projects.
• A passion for delivering a first class member and employer experience.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of the UPM pensions administration system
• A relevant professional qualification in pensions administration, data quality or business management

Our Values

• Doing the right thing
• Forward thinking
• Working together
• Committed to excellence

Ready to Join Us?

If you're passionate about driving data excellence and want to play a key role in shaping the future of pension administration, we'd love to hear from you.