Are the Summer Holidays the Best Time to Search for a New Job in the Pensions Industry?

The summer holidays are often seen as a time to relax and recharge. But if you work in the pensions industry, summer 2025 might also be the perfect moment to explore new career opportunities. With demand for specialist pensions skills and recruitment trends shifting, the quieter months can actually give proactive professionals a real advantage.

The wider UK labour market is slowing, with overall vacancies UK falling to 736,000 in spring 2025. However, financial services and pensions recruitment remain more resilient than many other sectors.
Specialist roles continue to show strong demand across:

• Pensions administration jobs UK
• Actuarial jobs UK in DB/DC schemes and risk management
• Compliance and governance positions
• Pensions consulting roles supporting trustees and employers
• Investment and ESG careers as funds adapt to regulatory change

Fewer applicants, more visibility
Applications typically drop during July and August, yet placements rise. For pensions professionals, this means less competition for each role.

Employers planning ahead for September
Firms often recruit in summer to prepare for autumn deadlines—such as scheme valuations, audits, and regulatory submissions.

Remote interviews keep processes moving
Thanks to remote interviews, hiring doesn’t stall when decision-makers are on leave. Many employers now run early-stage interviews online.

Pensions administration
Third-party administrators are still hiring experienced administrators and team leaders.

Actuarial jobs UK
Actuaries with DB funding expertise, solvency modelling, or risk analytics remain in demand.

Compliance and governance
The Pensions Regulator’s evolving guidance is driving recruitment for governance and reporting specialists.

Pensions consulting
Firms need consultants who can manage clients, advise on de-risking, and improve member communications.

Investment and ESG roles
As ESG investing grows, schemes seek professionals skilled in sustainability strategy and stewardship.

• Slower processes – Annual leave can delay final decisions.
• Graduate competition – Entry-level pensions and finance roles attract large volumes of applicants.
• Selective hiring – Employers are more targeted, so tailoring your CV and cover letter is crucial.

• Tailor your CV with pensions recruitment keywords like “pensions administration jobs UK” or “actuarial jobs UK” to boost visibility.
• Stay current with regulation from The Pensions Regulator to demonstrate industry engagement.
• Highlight digital skills such as data analytics and familiarity with AI recruitment tools.
• Network actively through LinkedIn groups, webinars, and industry events.
• Work with pensions recruitment specialists for access to unadvertised vacancies.
• Stay flexible by considering contract or project work to enter new employers.

While hiring volumes may be lower overall, the summer holidays can be a smart time for pensions professionals to start their search. With fewer candidates applying, consistent demand across pensions administration, actuarial, governance, and consulting, and easier access via remote interviews, this season offers unique opportunities.

If you’re planning your next move in the pensions industry, summer 2025 could be the right time to take action.

Get in touch with the Sammons Pensions Recruitment team today to explore a wide range of opportunities across the UK — including remote-working roles for experienced pensions professionals.

📞 Call us: 020 7293 7022
📧 Email us: pensions@sammons.co.uk
🌐 Visit: Pensions Recruitment London – Sammons Pensions Recruitment

Let’s help you take the next step in your pensions career.