Operations Manager

XPS Pensions; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK consultancy is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Pension Administration Team in London. The role involves managing operations, ensuring quality service delivery, and mentoring staff. Candidates should be experienced in pension administration, possess strong leadership skills, and demonstrate resilience under pressure. This position offers a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and a range of benefits including pension matching and healthcare plans, all within a supportive workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility

Pension matching

Healthcare plans

Life assurance

Retailer discounts

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Experienced pension professional with a strong track record in managing pensions administration.
• Thorough knowledge of technical pension administration activities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in mentoring and motivating teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Regional Operations Manager in leading the Pension Administration Team.
• Maintain high-quality standards of services provided to clients.
• Develop and manage the pensions administration capability.

Skills

Experience in pension administration

Strong leadership skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

IT proficiency (MS Office)

Education

A Level or equivalent qualification

Minimum three C grades at A Level

Strong Maths and English GCSE

Job description

Operations Manager

Location: London

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Grade: Senior Consultant

Hybrid

REQ003232

About XPS Group:

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About the Role:

Our teams of pension administrators provide services to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings, and hybrid schemes.

Our administrative approach is scheme‑based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client's service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves.

Your role will be to assist the Regional Operations Manager in the leadership and direction of the Pension Administration Team in our London office, preferably on site.

The Operations Manager will provide full time management of the teams, with a particular focus on aspects such as commercial, people, client and process development. For the right individual some client management and fee earning work will also be involved, but the priority of the role is the on‑going delivery of services, the development of the capabilities of those reporting to you, and of the systems, procedures, and compliance framework used by the company as a whole.

Key Responsibilities:

• Quality - delivering an industry‑leading service
• Profit - running an efficient and profitable operation
• Long‑term sustainability - investing in our clients, people, and systems

In pursuit of these aims, your objectives include assisting the Regional Operations Manager to:

• Maintain and enhance high‑quality standards and long‑term sustainability of services provided to clients across the business.
• Manage and develop the pensions administration capability by demonstrating positive leadership and mentoring Administration Managers and their Deputies when required.
• Contribute to attracting, training, and retaining employees by recruiting appropriately and motivating, rewarding, and developing existing team members. Manage HR issues and coordinate administration resources.
• Develop the commercial aspects of the function, involving Administration Managers in tendering and client‑facing work, billing effectively for value added to clients, and ensuring profitability. Participate in ongoing analysis of the efficiency of systems and processes, collaborating with other areas such as the Projects Team.
• Assist with tendering processes, creating responses, and leading the administration aspects of full‑service tenders.
• Conduct client assignments such as trustee secretarial appointments, project work, and client relationship management.
• Build strong and productive relationships with senior actuaries across the business and other offices.
• Support strategic business change and manage the implementation of new practices and processes.
• Contribute to business‑wide process and systems change. Due to the evolving nature of the business, you may occasionally be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature within your capabilities.

Your Profile - Essential:

• Experienced pension professional with a strong track record in managing, developing, and delivering pensions administration services.
• Thorough knowledge of technical pension administration activities and ability to apply this knowledge to any scheme.
• Previous experience with Defined Benefits (DB) and Defined Contributions (DC) schemes.
• Proven experience across the new business lifecycle, including proposals, client pitches, and negotiations.
• Experience operating within a compliant framework and strong understanding of quality standards.
• Previous line management experience, including appraisals, HR issue management, performance management, and recruitment.
• IT proficiency, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in mentoring and motivating teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to inspire, lead, and manage a diverse team.
• Resilience and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Collaborative team player with enthusiasm.
• Highly organized with ability to plan and prioritize workloads.
• Commercial and professional focus with a results‑oriented mindset.
• Confidence in engaging at senior levels and a creative, forward‑thinking approach.
• Commitment to a customer‑focused approach, ensuring quality and exceeding expectations.

Qualifications:

• Educated to A Level, Degree, or equivalent experience.
• Ideally, a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification (minimum grade B).
• APMI qualification (or applicants deemed 'qualified by experience' will be considered).

What We Offer:

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit applications via Apply Now option or contact [e-mail] for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Equal Opportunities Statement:

XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.

Eligibility:

Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, Satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.

Who Are We:

To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com