Head of Benefits and Engagement - 30813

Environment Agency; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector organization is seeking a Head of Benefits & Engagement to lead EAPF strategies and ensure excellent service delivery to members. The role involves managing pension administration, governance, and stakeholder relationships, with a focus on compliance and risk management. The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience in a pension environment and will be responsible for developing policies and overseeing communication strategies.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training and equipment provided

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in pension administration, benefits, and engagement.
• Specialist knowledge of pensions industry and governance.
• Experience managing pension teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement EAPF policies for administration and communication.
• Manage contracts with third-party pension administrators.
• Oversee data security and mitigate pension risks.

Skills

Leadership

Pension Administration

Governance

Risk Management

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Education

Membership of a relevant professional body

Job description

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Job Description

We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer.

Job Title: Head of Benefits & Engagement

We are looking for a Head of Benefits & Engagement to develop and lead our EAPF strategies, delivering excellent services to our members and stakeholders.

You will have proven leadership experience in a pension administration environment, either outsourced or in-house.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and communicate EAPF policies to enable delivery of Administration, Communication, and governance strategies.
• Operate within LGPS Regulations and pension legislation; interpret and communicate process changes; deliver training.
• Manage contracts and relationships, including overseeing our third-party pension administrator, Capita.
• Support governance requirements for Pensions Committee and Pensions Board; assist with pension training and presenting papers.
• Ensure high-quality pension administration services; maintain informative and engaging communication methods and website.
• Manage change processes such as admitted bodies and bulk transfers; lead employer relations and procedural training.
• Oversee data security and mitigate administration-related pension risks.
• Prepare reports and briefings for stakeholders to ensure transparency.
• Represent the Fund in the investment industry, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Develop professional networks with LGPS Funds and pension professionals for best practices and service improvements.
• Manage communication and pension administration staff; collaborate with wider team members.
• Provide training to Benefits Working Group and Pensions Committee as needed.
• Line management of Pension Administration and Engagement staff.

The Team

The Pensions Team, based in Bristol, supports the Trustee Board and Pensions Committee, focusing on well-managed, responsible investment and excellent member service.

Experience/Skills Required

• Proven leadership in pension administration, benefits, and engagement, either in-house or outsourced.
• Specialist knowledge of pensions industry, governance, risk management, and valuations.
• Experience with pension fund reporting, financial accounting, and audits.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; effective communicator and commercially aware.
• Ability to work within a government context, maintaining relations with departments and bodies.
• Experience managing pension teams.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (may be waived for exceptional candidates).

Additional Information

The role is based in Bristol Horizon House with flexible working arrangements. Occasional travel to London and Darlington is expected. Training and equipment will be provided.

For more details and application instructions, refer to the candidate pack and additional info document. Contact: [e-mail]. Interviews via MS Teams within two weeks of closing date.

Competencies

1. Delivers Results Through Others: Describe how you ensure your team meets standards.
2. Influences and Persuades Others: Share an example of persuading stakeholders to follow your plans.
3. Focuses on Customers and Partners: Provide an example of working with customers or partners in complex situations.

We value diversity and inclusion and support flexible working patterns, including job sharing. We guarantee interviews for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.