Investing for the future

The West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) is a local government pension scheme, founded in 1974. The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is the administering authority for the fund. At the end of March 2020, WYPF had 294,447 members and 451 employers. Although we are based in West Yorkshire, the fund serves a range of different employers across the nation and we have big plans for our future growth.

Following a review of WYPF’s organisational and pay structure for investment and administrative staff, in 2020 we began to implement our new people structure. As a result, the brand new role of Assistant Director, Alternative Investments has been created to lead a stronger focus on alternative investments and lead growth and diversification across our Alternative Investment portfolio, which now exceeds £2billion.

Reporting to the Deputy Director Investments, as Assistant Director you will lead the effective management of our Alternative Investments portfolio, pursuing best practice and best value in delivering the highest quality of service. You must have a solid track record of investing in alternative investments, including property, and leading within internally managed pension funds to hit the ground running in this unique role.

With a relevant CCAB accountancy qualification and/or recognised stock market qualification, you’ll have a strong understanding of the national and international alternative investment markets, using your expertise to strengthen and further diversify our portfolio. You will have significant investment experience across a broad range of assets, including private equity, property and infrastructure, to name but a few.

A strong leader of people, you’ll help build capacity within our in-house Alternative Investments team to ensure the right resources are in place to support future growth for the portfolio, working closely alongside key stakeholders, including external partners, Elected Members, board members and committee members to ensure our strategic goals are met.

This is a unique opportunity to influence and lead a high-profile Alternative Investments portfolio. As one of only two local government pension funds in the country that directly manages its own investments, you will play a leading role in directing the fund to ensure we make stronger and wiser investment decisions for the future. If you think you have what it takes to help drive WYPF to even greater success, we want to hear from you.

Visit www.shaping-bradford.co.uk to find out more and to apply. For a confidential discussion, contact our recruitment partners at Tile Hill: Helen Anderson (07534 602845) or Greg Hayes (07423 243415).