Pension Systems Officer

South Yorkshire Pensions Authority; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority managing a pension fund is seeking a motivated individual to join their Systems Team in Barnsley. The role involves maintaining the Pensions Administration System, assisting with improvements, and resolving system issues. Applicants should have knowledge of SQL and administrative experience. The position offers a flexible work environment and comprehensive benefits, including substantial annual leave and pension enrollment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave policy

Flexible working hours

Access to wellbeing initiatives

Modern office with parking

Qualifications

• Basic working knowledge of SQL.
• Experience in office administration.
• Competent in using IT tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and progress the Pensions Administration System.
• Assist in continuous improvement initiatives.
• Resolve routine system issues through the Helpdesk.

Skills

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Office administration

IT tools proficiency

Customer service

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Level 2 / 3 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Permanent, Full Time

We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and forward-looking Systems Team in this well-respected, award-winning organisation managing a £10 billion pension fund.

Who we are

We are both a local authority and a pension fund and we’re unique within the Local Government Pension Scheme as the only democratically accountable single purpose pension organisation in the UK. As a local government body, we have a public sector ethos and place a great deal of importance on our organisational Values and Behaviours – which are all about being honest and accountable, professional, progressive, and empowering.

We have a culture that encourages work-life balance, and we offer flexible working hours. Our newly refurbished Barnsley office provides a state-of-the-art working environment with free on-site parking and located within 10 minutes’ walk of both the train and bus stations, it makes us easily accessible.

Take a look at our LinkedIn page to find out more about us and see what we’ve been up to recently!

What you’ll be doing

You’ll join our small, friendly and progressive Pension Systems Team who are responsible for the maintenance and progression of the current Pensions Administration System, delivering a high-quality support service to the main customer-facing administration teams across SYPA.

You’ll support project work to assist the Systems Team in implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Alongside this, you’ll help to maintain system support and upgrades, ensure the integrity of data, contributing to testing new releases. You’ll respond to and resolve routine system issues reported through the Internal Helpdesk system, escalating more complex queries as appropriate, including assisting with back-office query resolution relating to case processing.

Our ideal candidate will have basic working knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) and will assist in producing or amending standard reporting queries under guidance, as well as identifying and reporting errors that can be resolved using established SQL scripts.

What you’ll be able to offer

• Level 2 / 3 qualification or equivalent; or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level.
• Office administration experience, confident handling administrative procedures.
• Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and procedures.
• Competent in a range of IT tools.
• Able to work with others to achieve objectives and provide excellent customer service.
• Able to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
• Accuracy and ability to prioritise and organise own workload.
• Able to apply health and safety, equality and diversity, and other SYPA policies and procedures.

You do not need to have previous experience of working in pensions. You’ll be provided with a well-planned induction and training programme. You will need to be highly motivated, keen to learn and with a genuine interest in this type of work.

We are also very keen to hear from applicants who do have some previous pension experience (especially LGPS); this would potentially enable you to be appointed above the starting salary shown above.

What's in it for you

• We have a generous annual leave policy that offers between 28 days and 36 days annual leave depending on length of service, plus all statutory bank holidays and you can accrue and take up to 13 extra days leave per year by utilising Flexitime.
• We have several work-life balance policies including a Flexible Working Hours policy (Flexitime) which allows you to work your contracted hours to suit both you and the team that you are working in,
• You’ll automatically be enrolled into the LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme) which provides a salary-related pension, to which the employer contributes.
• We offer a range of wellbeing initiatives including regular webinars on health & wellbeing, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and employer provided flu vaccination vouchers each year. We also organise regular social and charity events.
• We also offer a 24 / 7 confidential helpline, access to workplace counselling and Occupational Health.
• Access to a range of benefits and discounts through the Wider Wallet scheme .
• Centrally located modern office for public transport links and staff on-site parking available.

Closing Date – 28th November 2025

Interview Date – 15th December 2025

We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.

We will be shortlisting throughout the duration of the campaign therefore early applications are encouraged.