Pensions and Benefits Advisor

Hitachi, Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in Greater London is seeking a Pension & Benefits Advisor to join the Reward team. You will manage employee benefits, support mergers and acquisitions, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. The ideal candidate has experience in UK benefits administration and a strong understanding of pensions. This role offers a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and additional benefits, fostering an inclusive work environment where every contribution is valued.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday

Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%

Private medical insurance

Personal Accident insurance

Group Income protection

Group Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in UK employee benefits administration, ideally within a mid-sized or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of DB and DC pensions, salary sacrifice schemes, and core UK benefits legislation.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage the administration of employee benefits, including pension schemes and salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Support the Reward Manager in benefits-related aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
• Lead annual benefit renewal processes and liaise with providers.
• Develop clear communications to promote understanding of benefits.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting to support reward initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and maintain accurate records.

Skills

Employee benefits administration

DB and DC pensions understanding

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Confident communication

Attention to detail

Job description

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multicultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there's something for everyone to get involved. And that's where you come in. Join Hitachi Rail and make a real difference in shaping the future of employee benefits. We're looking for a Pension & Benefits Advisor to become a key member of our Reward team. In this role, you’ll have the autonomy to influence how we deliver benefits across a dynamic, growing business, ensuring every employee enjoys a seamless, high‑quality experience.

Reporting to the Reward Manager, you’ll lead the day‑to‑day administration of our benefits portfolio and drive continuous improvement. This is your chance to combine technical expertise with creativity, helping us stay ahead in a fast‑evolving landscape. You’ll join us at an exciting time of growth, where your ideas and actions will have a tangible impact. From managing pensions and benefits to supporting strategic projects, you’ll play a vital role in creating an inclusive, rewarding environment for our people.

Responsibilities

• Day‑to‑Day Benefits and Pension Administration: Manage the administration of employee benefits, including the defined contribution (DC) pension scheme, the RPS (DB) Scheme, salary sacrifice car scheme, and other core and voluntary benefits, ensuring accurate processing of contributions and communications.
• Benefits Projects and M&A Support: Support the Reward Manager in benefits‑related aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, harmonisation of legacy terms and conditions, and integration planning.
• Renewals and Vendor Management: Lead annual benefit renewal processes, liaising with providers and brokers to ensure competitive offerings and value for money. Evaluate and recommend potential new benefits aligned with business and employee needs.
• Employee Communication and Engagement: Develop and deliver clear, engaging communications to promote understanding and uptake of benefits. Act as a point of contact for employee queries, resolving issues with empathy and efficiency.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Assist with data analysis and reporting to support wider reward initiatives, including gender pay gap reporting, benchmarking and internal reviews.
• Compliance and Governance: Ensure all benefit processes comply with relevant legislation and internal policies. Monitor legislative changes and assess the impact on pension provision. Maintain accurate records and support audits as required. Act as the primary liaison with pension providers and support Pension Governance activities including scheme reviews, audits and regulatory reporting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in UK employee benefits administration, ideally within a mid‑sized or large organisation.
• Strong understanding of DB and DC pensions, salary sacrifice schemes, and core UK benefits legislation.
<>Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident communicator with experience handling employee queries and working with external providers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with data for reporting and analysis.
• High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach.

Desirable

• Experience supporting M&A activity or benefits harmonisation projects.
• Experience working in the manufacturing/rail sector and/or in a partially unionised workforce.
• Exposure to broader reward topics such as pay benchmarking or job evaluation.
• Familiarity with HRIS or benefits platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP, or similar).
• Professional qualification in reward, HR or employee benefits (e.g., CIPD, CEBS or PMI).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
• Private medical insurance
• Personal Accident insurance
• Group Income protection
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion and worldview. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment — we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.