Actuarial Consultant (Insurance Pricing) Manchester

Xafinity; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK consulting firm is seeking an Actuarial Consultant to join their expanding team in Manchester. The successful applicant will perform various actuarial calculations, engage with clients on key issues, and draft essential reports and communications. Key qualifications include substantial pensions industry knowledge, strong IT skills particularly in Excel, and effective communication. This role also offers opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus scheme

25 days holiday, flexibility to buy or sell

Healthcare cash plan

Pension scheme with matching contributions

Life assurance cover

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in pensions industry and actuarial valuations is highly desirable.
• Strong IT skills, particularly in the MS Office suite.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Work in a team, attending client meetings and engaging with clients.
• Draft reports, emails, and presentations to deliver results.
• Review a variety of actuarial calculations in multiple areas.

Skills

Relevant pensions industry knowledge

Strong IT skills, particularly Excel

Effective communication skills

Strong analytical skills

Practical experience in actuarial valuations

Ability to deliver under pressure

Inquisitive approach

Ability to manage projects

Job description

As an Actuarial Consultant (Insurance Pricing) with XPS you will:

Responsibilities

• Work in a wider team that is currently 25 strong and continuing to see growth, across multiple XPS Group sites in the UK.
• Attend client meetings, taking an active role where applicable: presenting actuarial findings and engaging with clients on relevant key issues.
• Check/review a variety of actuarial calculations in the following areas: actuarial valuations, production of company accounting disclosures, individual benefits, PPF levy, bulk transfer, incentive exercises and de‑risking projects.
• Understand the implications of the results of the above calculations to provide advice on matters such as contribution rates, levy reduction and liability reduction exercises.
• Draft reports, emails and presentations to deliver actuarial results and advice.
• Draft member communications (e.g. summary funding statements, responses to individual queries).
• Client‑management: take responsibility for allocation and completion of work, meet deadlines and work directly with the Scheme Actuary.
• Maintain a good understanding of relevant technical issues, including TASs, codes of practice, scheme documentation and the supporting regulatory framework.
• Develop internal standard processes and identify new ways to work more efficiently.
• Take a proactive role in personal development/training.
• Attend and deliver internal technical training sessions and demonstrate application of learning.

Qualifications & Skills

• Relevant pensions industry knowledge.
• Practical experience in conducting actuarial valuations is highly desirable.
• Strong IT skills with a good working knowledge of the MS Office suite, particularly Excel.
• An inquisitive approach to working and processes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment, managing projects with quick turnaround times.
• Ability to remain composed and deliver under pressure.
• Effective communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and a methodical approach to process adherence.
• Aptitude for tackling challenges that require manual intervention within projects; DBS disclosure check.
• Employment or educational references covering five years.
• Satisfactory credit check.

About XPS

XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential. Our Pensions Advisory business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Actuary to join one of our vibrant offices in Reading, Manchester, Belfast or Leeds with hybrid working. A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector. Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work – everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It's about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they're happy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
• Flexible bank holidays
• Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
• Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
• XPS Rewards (offers high street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
• Access to a digital GP service
• Paid volunteering day when participating in company‑organised events
• Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS