How to progress your career in Defined Contribution

At Legal & General, we understand that the Defined Contribution (DC) industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the opportunities within it.
For mid to senior-level professionals, progressing to leadership roles requires a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead teams toward innovative solutions.
Advancing your career in Defined Contribution offers immense potential to make a meaningful impact on the financial futures of countless individuals.
Progressing your career in Defined Contribution
If you are looking to make this next step in your career, it's important to refine key skills and acquire qualifications that align with industry demands.
Here’s a breakdown of the necessary skills, tips on how to develop them in your current role, and the qualifications you'll want to pursue.
Key skills for a successful career in Defined Contribution
1. Client relationship management - as seen in roles like the Senior Client Director and Client Relationship Executive, the ability to manage, retain, and grow client relationships is fundamental. Developing strong relationships with key decision-makers, understanding their strategic goals, and offering solutions aligned with their needs is key.
How to develop it - in your current role, focus on building and nurturing relationships with your clients, ensuring you actively listen to their challenges and offer tailored solutions. Engage in strategic conversations and take ownership of client concerns, always aiming for long-term partnerships.
2. Commercial acumen and strategic thinking - the ability to identify and act on new business opportunities, whether cross-selling or upselling, is critical. You’ll need to understand how DC solutions fit into broader business goals and the regulatory landscape.
How to develop it - enhance your understanding of the DC product suite and competitor offerings. Participate in business development projects or initiatives in your current role to build a broader understanding of the commercial side of DC pensions.
3. Technical knowledge of DC products and regulations - a deep understanding of DC pension products, investments, and legislative impacts is necessary, especially in roles like Business Development Consultant and Senior Client Director.
How to develop it - stay up to date with regulatory changes and market trends. Attend workshops or webinars, collaborate with colleagues in product development or legal teams, and immerse yourself in new product launches.
Qualifications to elevate your career in Defined Contribution
- PMI (Pensions Management Institute) qualifications - this will provide you with the technical knowledge to manage pensions more effectively, covering legislation, scheme management, and governance.
- Certificate in Financial Planning or IMC (Investment Management Certificate) - these qualifications will bolster your knowledge of financial planning and investments, which are essential in understanding how DC products fit into wider financial strategies.
- Professional development courses in leadership - consider leadership and management certifications such as the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) or a similar program tailored to financial services. These will help enhance your leadership abilities and strategic thinking.
Advance your career in Defined Contribution with L&G
Progressing from a mid-senior level position to senior leadership in Defined Contribution at L&G requires a blend of deep industry knowledge, a commitment to continuous learning, and strong leadership capabilities.
We are committed to supporting your professional development and career progression in a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. Interested to learn about life in our DC teams, read Jesal’s career story.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your DC career, explore our job opportunities today.
Related roles
Salary
Location
London
Business Unit
Legal & General Investment Management
Job Family
COO
Location
London
Full Time/Part Time
Full-time
Permanent/Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract
Description
We are seeking an Investment Change specialist to represent the Investments business area across a new Market Data Optimisation (MDO) programme of change. The successful candidate will play a crucial
Reference
251862d9-f9ac-45df-957a-bcd560655a15
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
London
Business Unit
Legal & General Investment Management
Job Family
Product
Location
London
Full Time/Part Time
Full-time
Permanent/Fixed Term Contract
Permanent
Description
The Product team sits within the SPM department, responsible for the end-to-end product lifecycle management of the Asset Management product ranges in support of the SPM’s purpose.The Strategic Projec
Reference
51dbdd73-ce9d-49c4-81b5-22092d3e61df
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Cardiff
Business Unit
Legal & General Investment Management
Job Family
Finance
Location
Cardiff
Full Time/Part Time
Full-time
Permanent/Fixed Term Contract
Permanent
Description
We are hiring an Assistant Finance Manager to join the Finance Team of our Asset Management Division. In this role you’ll play a key part in managing operational expense processes, supporting activiti
Reference
db8fadde-09df-48dd-87ab-fe496d39fd52
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Related posts

Teaser
Technology, Digital & DataContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
Data Analysts play a vital role in turning information into actionable insights, helping businesses make smarter decisions and drive progress. At L&G (Legal & General), our Data Analysts are at

by
Enrique Rodriguez
.jpg)
Teaser
Executive LeadershipContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
As a senior professional, advancing your executive career requires more than just hard work and technical expertise. It demands strategic thinking, continuous development, and the ability to pos

by
Enrique Rodriguez

Teaser
InvestmentsContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
What are private markets? Private markets refer to investments made in assets that are not traded on public exchanges, such as private equity, private debt, real estate, and infrastructure. The

by
Enrique Rodriguez