Third Party Risk and Contracts Manager

Join us at a pivotal moment, where procurement expertise, contract management, and vendor oversight come together to shape the future of LGPS pooling.The Third Party Risk and Contracts Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust third-party risk management framework and to oversee the effective and efficient performance of suppliers. This role is to ensure that all vendors, service providers, and outsourced partners meet regulatory requirements and align with the firm’s risk appetite and supplier performance achieves LGPS Central’s objectives.This role is critical in safeguarding operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and protecting the firm’s reputation.What you’ll be doing:Framework Development & GovernanceDesign and maintain the third-party risk management policy and procedures in line with FCA, PRA, and other relevant regulatory requirements. Establish governance structures for oversight of third-party relationships.Risk Assessment & Due DiligenceConduct initial and ongoing risk assessments of third-party vendors, including financial stability, operational resilience, cybersecurity, and compliance posture. Perform enhanced due diligence for critical and high-risk vendors.Supplier Performance and Relationship ManagementMonitor performance and ensure suppliers meet contractual obligations, escalating issues or disputes as needed.Support audits, due‑diligence reviews and risk assessments where required.Contract Lifecycle ManagementTrack and manage key dates such as renewals, expirations, notice periods, and obligations.Support contract extensions, variations,re‑negotiations, and exit planning.Monitoring & ReportingDevelop and maintain a vendor risk register and ensure timely updates. Monitor performance and risk indicators for third-party relationships and escalate issues as required. Prepare regular reports for senior management, risk committees, and regulators.Regulatory ComplianceEnsure compliance with FCA SYSC 8 (Outsourcing)  and other applicable regulations. Support regulatory audits and respond to information requests related to outsourcing and third-party risk.Incident Management & Contingency PlanningOversee third-party incident reporting and remediation processes. Ensure robust exit strategies and contingency plans for critical vendors.Stakeholder EngagementWork closely with Procurement, Legal, Compliance, and Operational teams to undertake robust contract management and align third-party risk management with broader risk frameworks. Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contract management, third-party risk policies and best practices.About usLGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing £45bn+ of their assets. It is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.LGPS Central’s Partner Funds are:Cheshire Pension FundDerbyshire Pension FundLeicestershire Pension FundNottinghamshire Pension FundShropshire Pension FundStaffordshire Pension FundWest Midlands Pension FundWorcestershire Pension FundThe Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class.LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds. With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner FundsRequirementsMinimum 5 years’ experience in third-party risk management, contract management, or operational risk, ideally within financial services (preferably asset management). Strong understanding of UK regulatory requirements (FCA, PRA) and outsourcing guidelines. Proven experience in developing and implementing risk frameworks and conducting vendor due diligence.Proven experience in contract management, preferably in a financial services environment.Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management, Finance or related field (desirable).Professional certifications such as CIPS, or equivalent, is desirable.What do we offer?We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer. Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy:Competitive salaryAn enhanced and generous Pension Scheme30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays2 days paid volunteering daysAn extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidaysExcellent Learning & Development OpportunitiesWelfare and Family friendly policiesEnhanced pay for new parentsAccess to our Employee Assistance Programme 247 Health & Wellbeing SupportVitality Private Medical InsuranceHybrid WorkingCompany Service AwardsCycle to Work SchemeCompany Electric Vehicle SchemeNominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 Personnel Today Awards 2022Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023