Group Finance Manager – Pensions & Treasury
Cumbria Pension Fund administered by Westmorland and Furness Council
The Cumbria Pension Fund is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and is administered by Westmorland and Furness Council. We are a substantial pension fund nearly 68,000 members,108 employers and £3.7 billion in investments and a cornerstone of financial wellbeing for thousands of public sector employees across the region. As part of our team, you’ll play a vital role in delivering excellence, innovation, and integrity in public service.
We have a strong track record, but we’re not standing still. We’re building on our reputation for excellence by embracing innovation and continuous improvement. As the demands of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the wider pensions industry continue to grow, so do our ambitions. We’re rising to meet these challenges head-on, and we’re looking for a talented, forward-thinking individual to join us on this exciting journey. This is your opportunity to be part of something impactful, where your skills will help shape the future of public sector pensions.
I’m excited to be recruiting a new Group Finance Manager – Pensions & Treasury, reporting directly to me as LGPS Senior Oficer. This opportunity has arisen following the well-deserved external promotion of the current post-holder, a testament to the career progression this role can offer.
This is a pivotal position within our team, acting as my Deputy and playing a key role in the strategic and operational delivery of the Cumbria Pension Fund. You’ll have autonomy and visibility across high-impact areas, including:
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to step into a leadership role with influence, challenge, and the chance to shape the future of public sector pensions in a dynamic and supportive environment. If this fast-paced role sounds appealing, I would very much like to hear from you. Whether you have a background in pensions or Public Sector finance (preferably Local Authority finance), this superb role will provide an excellent platform for an ambitious individual who can fully appreciate the potential of where this role might take you in the longer term.
I’m actively seeking someone who could be a future Head of Fund, someone with the ambition, vision, and drive to lead. If that sounds like you, I’ll be here to offer my full support and guidance every step of the way.
The strength of our organisation has in recent years been recognised with various awards most recently the Fund has been shortlisted in the prestigious LGC Investment Awards in two categories: Small Fund of the Year; and Outstanding Individual Contribution for a colleague’s fantastic work. The national LGC Investment Awards celebrate excellence and innovation within the local government sector and apparently this year’s awards received a record number of entries. We are over the moon - and I am so proud of the team here.
This is more than just a job, it’s a genuine opportunity to shape your career in a role that’s both challenging and fulfilling, all while living and working in one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Fundamentally, I believe this is a fascinating opportunity, which will appeal to an enthusiastic and ambitious individual who can see the genuine potential of being able to play a pivotal leadership role at this very exciting time.
We’re proud to be a high-performing authority, driven by a talented, passionate, and committed workforce. You’ll be joining a team that values excellence and collaboration, where your contributions will be recognised and your potential nurtured.
Be part of a team that supports communities, invests in futures, and delivers real change across Cumbria and apply today!
I hope that this role will pique your interest levels, and that the information below will provide as much detail as you require. However, I would welcome conversations with candidates who would like to learn a little more from me. Please liaise with our recruitment partners at The Resourcing Solution who will be able to arrange a conversation.
Thank you and I look forward to receiving your application.
Kate McLaughlin-Flynn
Senior Manager – Cumbria Pension Fund (Deputy S151 Officer - Pensions)
About the Role: Group Finance Manager – Pensions & Treasury
Salary: from £68,000 plus benefits and relocation allowance
Location: Parkhouse (Carlisle) and Kendal, hybrid working subject to attending team and other meetings as required. The role involves occasional travel throughout the country.
Hours: 37 per week
As Group Finance Manager – Pensions & Treasury, you will play a pivotal role in managing the financial operations of the Cumbria Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which serves nearly 68,000 members and holds assets of £3.7 billion. You’ll provide expert financial guidance and strategic oversight across both pensions and treasury functions, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and Fund policies.
Working closely with the LGPS Senior Officer and Director of Finance, you’ll lead the delivery of a compliant, efficient, and forward-thinking pension service, while overseeing the Council’s Treasury Management function to ensure optimal cash flow and investment strategies.
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring a strong grasp of public sector finance, investment management, and governance. You’ll manage a team of around 11 FTE, oversee significant budgets, and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including elected Members, external service providers, and national bodies.
Who we’re looking for…
You will:
You will have…
For further information, please visit the Role Profile
Our benefits
We are a caring council. We are dedicated to supporting your health and wellbeing while you are working for us. We have a variety of fantastic benefits that ensure you can achieve a healthy work-life balance.
If you want to find out more about our benefits and working for Westmorland and Furness, please visit the link below.
Find out more
Contact us and apply
For an informal confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact: Leanne Auton - leanne.auton@northyorks.gov.uk / 07815 028 548.
Please submit one Word document that details a comprehensive CV, including current salary, and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. Please do not send PDF versions. Applications should be emailed to Executive.ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk
It is important that your written application fully addresses the experience criteria as detailed in the person specification. You should include contact details for at least two referees, one of whom must be your current / most recent employer/engager. If you specifically do not wish referees to be approached without your permission, please indicate this. Please ensure that you have included both your work and home telephone contact numbers and e-mail addresses where applicable. Please note, this is a politically restricted post.
Key Dates & Documents
Key Dates:
Closing date: Midnight January 4th 2027
Presentation Topic Discussion & Interview: 1st February 2027 (in person – Kendal)
Key Documents:
Approach to recruitment
We are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce that reflects the character of our community.
We believe in treating all applicants fairly and without bias. Our recruitment process is designed to be open, inclusive, and supportive, ensuring that you feel valued and able to demonstrate your strengths. We aim to make the process as transparent and equitable as possible for everyone.
For more information, please visit Working with us | Careers
Equality, diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
Safer recruitment
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all employees, volunteers and workers to share this commitment.
Why Choose Cumbria?
Cumbria offers a truly unique blend of professional opportunity and exceptional quality of life. Home to the stunning Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, outdoor adventures, and peaceful surroundings. Whether you're hiking in the fells, paddleboarding on Windermere, or enjoying a quiet walk along the coast, Cumbria provides a natural escape that’s hard to match.
But Cumbria isn’t just about scenery, it’s a place of innovation, community, and growth. With a strong public sector presence and a collaborative working culture, professionals here enjoy the chance to make a real impact. Westmorland and Furness Council is at the heart of this, offering forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to public service excellence. The Council’s finance team plays a critical role in shaping the future of the region, and this role offers the chance to be part of that journey.
Living in Cumbria means enjoying a slower pace without sacrificing connectivity. With easy access to cities like Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow, and direct rail links to London, you’ll find the perfect balance between rural charm and urban convenience. Add to that affordable housing, excellent schools, and a welcoming community, and it’s easy to see why Cumbria is a fantastic place to live and work.