Pensions Manager

The Institute Of Cancer Research; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institute in Greater London is seeking a Pensions Manager to oversee the administration of pension schemes and provide expert guidance on complex pension matters. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of pension law and experience with pension schemes, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to handle large data sets. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options, providing opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and pension

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of pension law.
• Experience with USS and/or NHS Pension Schemes.
• Ability to manage complex pension cases.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of all ICR pension schemes.
• Provide guidance on complex pension matters.
• Act as Scheme Secretary for the closed ICR Pension Scheme.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Stakeholder management

Detail-oriented

Conflict resolution

Education

Professional qualifications such as PMI or CIPD membership

Relevant degree

Tools

HR/Payroll systems

Job description

Key Information

Salary: £61,275 - £74,175

Duration of Contract: Non Time limited

Hours per Week: 35 hours per week (Full Time)

Location: Sutton/Chelsea. This role is eligible for hybrid working.

Closing Date: 15 December 2025

Job Details

About the Role

We are seeking a Pensions Manager to join our Human Resources Directorate, where you will deliver a high-quality, professional and customer-focused pensions service across the employee lifecycle. This role has a significant impact on the organisation by ensuring the effective administration and governance of all pension schemes, supporting our staff and Trustees, and enabling the ICR to recruit, retain and develop exceptional people. You will be responsible for ensuring that pension contributions and data are processed accurately, that scheme rules and deadlines are met, and that colleagues receive clear and timely guidance on a wide range of pension matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of all ICR pension schemes, ensuring accurate and timely contributions, reporting and financial records, while working closely with payroll and internal teams to maintain correct system configuration and resolve issues.
• Provide expert guidance on complex pension matters, including retirement, redundancy, ill-health and death-in-service, and prepare complex calculations, manage sensitive casework and deliver training on scheme changes and legislation.
• Act as Scheme Secretary for the closed ICR Pension Scheme, supporting Trustees, managing governance processes, coordinating meetings, maintaining scheme documentation and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead and support the Pensions Officer and Pensions Contribution Officer through effective line management, promoting high performance, service improvement and professional development.

About You

We are seeking a proactive, detail-focused pensions professional with strong communication and stakeholder-management skills. You will have solid knowledge of pension law, experience with USS and/or NHS Pension Schemes, and a background working with both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements. You will be confident managing complex pension cases, interpreting legislation and working effectively with scheme providers and advisers.

You should be comfortable handling large data sets, using HR/Payroll systems and meeting tight deadlines, while building credibility through clear, authoritative guidance to staff, managers and Trustees. Strong interpersonal skills, accuracy, conflict-resolution ability and experience supervising others are essential. Professional qualifications such as PMI or CIPD membership, or a relevant degree, would be beneficial.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and pension

Department/Directorate Information

The Human Resources Directorate provides the policies, systems and infrastructure that support the ICR's talented and diverse workforce. The directorate is made up of HR Operations, Learning and Organisational Development, Pensions, and Reward, Information and Systems. Together, these teams ensure the organisation has the workforce capacity and capability to achieve its mission: to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.

About The Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is one of the world's most influential cancer research institutes, with an outstanding record of achievement dating back more than 100 years. Further information about working at the ICR can be found here.

Why work for us?

As a member of staff, you'll have exclusive access to a range of staff benefits. The ICR is committed to supporting overseas applicants applying for roles, please click here to find out further information.

At the Institute of Cancer Research, we champion diversity as we believe it fuels innovation and drives impactful research. We welcome applicants from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives that enrich our work.

We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Mohammad Rehmman via email on [email protected]

Don't let a checklist of qualifications hold you back - if you're passionate about the role, we want to hear from you. Your unique experiences and backgrounds contribute to the richness of our team. We are committed to being an equal opportunity for all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other dimension of diversity. Join us in creating an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued.