Thinking About a Career Move? Why Summer Could Give You the Advantage

Many people assume recruitment slows down during the summer holidays.

While there may be fewer people in the office, hiring doesn’t stop.

In fact, many pensions employers use the summer months to recruit ahead of autumn projects, regulatory deadlines and strategic initiatives.

If you’re considering a move, waiting until September could mean competing with far more candidates.

Starting your search now could give you a valuable head start.

The UK jobs market has become more measured during 2026, with the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing around 712,000 vacancies across the UK. While recruitment has slowed from the exceptionally high levels seen in previous years, employers continue to invest in specialist talent where skills remain scarce.

For the pensions industry, the picture is notably different.

As schemes continue to navigate evolving regulation, de-risking activity, pensions dashboards, digital transformation and increasing governance requirements, experienced pensions professionals remain in strong demand.

Organisations are recruiting more selectively—but competition for high-quality pensions talent continues.

Professionals with technical expertise, commercial awareness and strong stakeholder management skills remain particularly attractive to employers.

Across the pensions market, opportunities continue to be available in:

• Pensions Administration – experienced administrators, senior administrators and operational leaders.
• Actuarial & Risk – Defined Benefit (DB) funding, buy-in and buyout projects, GMP equalisation and risk modelling.
• Governance & Compliance – trustee governance, pensions secretariat and regulatory compliance.
• Pensions Consulting – advising trustees, employers and pension schemes on strategic initiatives.
• Data, Projects & Transformation – administration transitions, pensions dashboards, data remediation and operational change.

Investment & Responsible Investing – investment governance, stewardship and sustainable investment.

Less competition

Many professionals postpone their search until after the holidays, meaning employers often receive fewer applications during July and August.

A stronger CV with less competition naturally has greater visibility.

Employers Are Planning Ahead

Summer recruitment is often about preparing for what’s next.

Whether that’s regulatory projects, administration changes, digital transformation or business growth, employers want new team members in place before workloads increase later in the year.

Recruitment Is More Flexible Than Ever

Hybrid working and virtual interviews mean recruitment no longer pauses during holiday season.

Initial interviews, hiring manager conversations and even final stages can often be arranged around annual leave.

✔ Refresh your CV with recent achievements.

✔ Optimise your LinkedIn profile.

✔ Keep up to date with pensions regulation and industry developments.

✔ Understand current salary expectations.

✔ Speak to a specialist pensions recruiter about opportunities that may never be advertised.

Even if you’re not ready to move immediately, understanding the market now will put you in a stronger position when the right opportunity appears.

Every September brings an increase in candidate activity.

By beginning your search during the summer, you’ll often find less competition, more time to prepare and greater opportunity to build relationships before the market becomes busier.

Sometimes the best career moves happen before everyone else starts looking.

At Sammons Pensions Recruitment, we work with pensions professionals across the UK, helping candidates secure opportunities in pensions administration, actuarial, governance, consulting, trustee services, investment and leadership.

Whether you’re actively looking or simply interested in understanding the market, we’d be happy to have a confidential conversation about your career goals.

Get in touch with the Sammons Pensions Recruitment team today and discover where your next opportunity could take you.