Chief Financial Officer

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its finance function and the wider business. As a Partner to the CEO, and a member of Lothian Pension Fund’s Senior Leadership Team, the new CFO will have responsibility for driving financial performance, while evolving systems, processes and capabilities to meet the Fund’s long-term objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to play an integral role in the continued growth and success of an award-winning organisation. Alongside continuing to develop the existing finance and investment back-office functions, the CFO will champion smarter use of technology, including AI and Business Intelligence tools to unlock efficiencies and deliver actionable insights. Beyond technical capabilities, the role requires a highly credible leader who can nurture and develop a diverse team, balancing succession planning with automation and upskilling. As a natural leader and culture champion, the CFO will inspire a positive, high-performance environment with integrity and emotional intelligence.

The CFO will hold primary accountability for the Finance function, while providing robust oversight, challenge and support to other functions across the LPF Group, ensuring that all activities deliver optimal financial value and adhere fully to policies, controls and governance standards. 

Financial Leadership and Core Finance Oversight: 

• Lead financial stewardship of the Pension Fund, including P&L, balance sheet, budgeting and reporting across LPF Group and subsidiaries
• Produce the Financial Statements and the Statement of Internal Financial Control for the Group
• Conduct a current-state assessment of the Finance function and deliver a Target Operating Model to optimise processes, structures and performance across Finance 
  Lead and develop a high-performing Finance team (c.12 FTEs) with strong technical standards and a continuous improvement mindset. 

Strategic Planning and Cross-Fund Collaboration 

• Co-lead business planning and contribute to the group’s strategic agenda alongside the CEO and leadership team
• Collaborate actively and strategically with other Local Government Pension Funds in response to sector developments.

Regulatory Capital, Liquidity & Risk: 

• Oversee all regulatory capital and liquidity requirements ensuring full compliance and robust capital management
• Lead the ICARA process, setting strong standards of risk, governance and prudential management. 

Funding, Valuation and Actuarial Management: 

• Responsibility for all funding and actuarial matters arising, including assigning tasks to and directing the Senior Employer Relationship Manager
• Lead the Pension Scheme Valuation process, working closely with actuarial partners and internal stakeholders and reporting on the triennial Actuarial Valuation
• Produce the Funding Strategy Statement including liaison with the Fund’s Actuary and consultation with employers
• Provide intellectually rigorous leadership of funding and valuation matters (no actuarial qualification is required, but a high degree of analytical capability is essential). 

Investment Operations and Middle-Office Development

• Collaborate with the Head of Investment Operations to oversee investment back-office activity and shape the boundaries between finance, investment and middle-office functions
• Drive and support key operational improvement projects, including the Order Management System and future middle-office design. 

Procurement, Supplier Management and Business Continuity

• Oversee procurement and supplier management in line with all public sector standards and requirements
• Design and implement the organisation’s Business Continuity planning. 

Governance, Stakeholder Management and External Engagement 

• Ensure full regulatory and legal compliance and robust governance, identifying and escalating any risk issues
• Monitor and assess the employer covenant, including Funding Agreement proposals
• Provide for safe custody of all Fund assets, including valuation, reconciliation and transaction record-keeping
• Operate credibly and effectively in a complex governance environment, engaging with e.g. councillors, boards, committees, auditors, regulators and other stakeholders
• Maintain high standards of reporting, transparency and communication. 

Culture, Leadership and Organisational Fit

• Act as a role model for the Group’s purpose, values and collaborative culture
• Build strong working relationships across the organisation and contribute positively to leadership team effectiveness and culture
• Deputise for the CEO when required.

Lothian Pension Fund is committed to promoting a diverse, equal, and inclusive culture and welcomes applications from people of all sectors of the community.

For more information and to apply, please contact Alice Deakin Alice.Deakin@carlyleassociates.co.uk or Lucy Seligman Lucy@carlyleassociates.co.uk at Carlyle.