Senior Pensions Administrator

Royal London; Alderley Edge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Up to 14% employer pension matching

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Royal London in Alderley Edge is seeking a BPA Operations Administrator to lead the administration of Bulk Purchase Annuity policies and defined benefit schemes, ensuring accurate, compliant processing and timely responses to policyholders.

You will support onboarding, data integrity, and customer outcomes, with hybrid working 50% at home and 50% in the Alderley Park office, and you'll collaborate with colleagues to drive process improvements and FCA/Regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in pensions administration, ideally within defined benefit schemes or BPA.
• Sound knowledge of legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong data interpretation and accuracy with robust controls.
• Proficient using administration systems and Excel, with analytical skills.
• Well organised and able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment.
• Excellent communication with policyholders, trustees and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the administration of BPA policies and defined benefit schemes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance.
• Manage member and policyholder activity including data integrity, queries, retirements and settlements.
• Perform QA checks, monitor service levels and train colleagues.
• Support onboarding of new schemes, buy-in shadow administration and payroll processing.
• Provide proactive support to policyholders, including vulnerable customers, per FCA Duty.
• Contribute to reporting, reconciliations, governance and process improvements.

Skills

Pensions administration

Data analysis

Excel proficiency

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Organisational skills

Tools

Administration systems

MS Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Join our growing Bulk Purchase Annuity (BPA) Operations team and play a key role in delivering accurate, high-quality administration for policyholders and members of defined benefit pension schemes. You’ll combine your pensions expertise with a strong focus on customer outcomes, supporting colleagues, improving processes and helping newly onboarded schemes transition safely into business as usual.

Job description

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Alderley Park

Working style: Hybrid 50% home/office based

About the role

• Lead the administration of BPA policies and defined benefit pension schemes, ensuring work is accurate, timely and compliant with legislation, benefit specifications and Royal London policies.
• Manage member and policyholder activity including record maintenance, data integrity, queries, retirement, transfer and bereavement quotations and settlements.
• Complete quality assurance checks, monitor service levels and provide guidance, training and support to colleagues.
• Support operational readiness for newly onboarded schemes, buy-in shadow administration, payroll processing, data cleansing and transitions to buyout.
• Deliver clear, proactive and tailored support to policyholders, including vulnerable customers, in line with FCA Consumer Duty.
• Contribute to reporting, reconciliations, governance activity, projects and the continuous improvement of processes and procedures.

About you

• Experience in pensions administration, ideally within defined benefit schemes or Bulk Purchase Annuities; exposure to defined contribution schemes would also be welcomed.
• Sound knowledge of pensions administration, including Guaranteed Minimum Pensions, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex information, maintain accurate data and complete financial transactions within robust controls.
• Confident using administration systems and Microsoft Excel, with good analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Well organised and able to prioritise effectively while working independently and collaboratively in a busy operational environment.
• A clear and confident communicator who can build effective relationships with policyholders, trustees, colleagues and external suppliers.
• A pensions administration qualification and knowledge of Irish pensions law would be advantageous, but are not essential

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

About Royal London

We're the UK's largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We're an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected - whatever their background.