Principal Pensions Administrator

Spence & Partners Limited; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pensions administration company is seeking a Principal Pensions Administrator to manage complex DB schemes. In this role, you'll be the key point of contact for trustees and advisers, ensuring compliance and providing outstanding service. You'll oversee complex cases, mentor colleagues, and support business development efforts while contributing to a collaborative team environment. Essential qualifications include extensive experience in DB pensions administration and strong leadership skills.

Benefits

Collaborative work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 8 years' experience in DB pension administration.
• Extensive experience with complex DB pensions cases.
• In-depth knowledge of UK pensions legislation.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key contact for trustees and advisers.
• Oversee and authorise complex cases.
• Support business development by building client relationships.

Skills

Client relationship skills

Leadership skills

Organisational skills

Commercial awareness

Education

PMI qualification (or working towards)

Job description

Are you ready to take the lead on some of the most complex and rewarding challenges in pensions administration? As a Principal Pensions Administrator, you'll act as the key point of contact for trustees and advisers, ensuring that Defined Benefit (DB) schemes are managed with precision, compliance, and outstanding client service. This is a role where your technical expertise, leadership skills, and commercial awareness come together. You'll take ownership of entire schemes, oversee and authorise the most complex cases, and provide guidance to colleagues at every level. From attending trustee meetings and presenting reports to leading major exercises such as buy-ins, buyouts, and GMP equalisation, you'll also support Spence's business development by building trusted client relationships and contributing to new opportunities. At Spence, we're continuing to grow, and you'll play an important part in that journey. You'll be joining a collaborative and supportive team where your knowledge is valued, your impact is recognised, and your contribution helps shape the future of our pensions services.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years' experience in DB pension administration
• Extensive experience in Defined Benefit (DB) pensions administration, with proven expertise in complex and technical cases.
• In-depth knowledge of UK pensions legislation, regulation, and codes of practice.
• Demonstrated experience acting as lead contact for trustees and advisers.
• Strong client relationship skills, including attending and contributing to trustee meetings.
• Experience leading on scheme-wide projects (e.g. GMP equalisation, buy-ins, buyouts, scheme wind‑ups)
• Ability to mentor, guide, and support both junior and senior colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple schemes.
• Commercial awareness and the confidence to support business development activity.

Desirable Qualifications

• PMI qualification (or working towards).
• Experience preparing trustee reports and presenting technical advice at trustee meetings.
• Track record of delivering large-scale or complex pension projects successfully.
• Evidence of contributing to process improvements or shaping team practices.
• Experience representing the business at pitches or new client opportunities.

Circumstances

• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week with additional hours as and when required.
• Location: UK-wide with opportunity available in Belfast, Manchester or Glasgow.
• All roles are subject to a six-month probationary period and all prospective employees are required to complete an Access NI check.
• As part of the pre-hire process the successful candidate will be subject to reference checking security vetting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

3173 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applying with a disability or long-term health condition? As part of our belief that we benefit from the differences among us we are committed to increasing the representation of disabled colleagues and removing any barriers or challenges that may hinder candidates with a disability or long-term health condition from applying to work with us. We guarantee to automatically interview anyone with a disability who meets the minimum criteria and will make suitable arrangements for support or adjustment during the recruitment and selection process. Any information you share will be treated completely confidentially. Please contact the People & Culture team for further discussion.