Senior Pensions Administrator

XPS Pensions Group; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pensions administration firm in Tees Valley seeks a skilled administrator to manage pension schemes. You will handle a variety of responsibilities including the production of annual statements, communications with members, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate has experience in the pensions industry, particularly dealing with Defined Benefit schemes, and strong Excel skills. This role offers a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility

Flexible benefits scheme

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a role dealing with DB schemes.
• Experience in the pensions industry.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain high standards.

Responsibilities

• Ensure completion of annual pensions increase exercises.
• Production of annual benefit statements and communications.
• Liaise with clients and third parties for scheme management.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision making

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Education

Professional qualifications (PMI/QPA/RPC/DPC/DPA)

Job description

Overview

Our administrative approach is scheme-based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client's service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves. Ultimately, pension schemes are there for their members; we place just as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Annual pensions increase exercises for schemes supported by the team
• Production of annual benefit statements, Pension Savings Statements and SMPI statements (as required)
• Production of wake-up communications to members approaching NRA or over NRA
• Create mail-merges, arrange dispatch/uploading of statements and letters to member portal
• Complete Scheme Returns for each scheme, liaise with actuarial and investment colleagues as appropriate and clients
• Complete Annual Event reports for each scheme / quarterly AFTs - arrange payment of tax
• GMPe testing of calculations / GMPr etc.
• Production of quarterly administration/stewardship reports
• Tracing (annual/quarterly/monthly) - supporting the admin teams and working with the Tracing team
• Assist production of benefit specifications for buy-in/buy-out work
• Bespoke project work as directed by Team Leader/Manager
• Complex calculations / checking and authorising cases - supporting admin on some individual cases
• Checking and authorising other team members' work
• Understanding and application of benefit structures, Trust Deed & Rules, current pensions legislation, PSO and Disclosure requirements
• Liaison with Client, Scheme Actuary, Consultants, Providers, Pension Payroll Members and third parties
• Provision of technical information both verbally and in writing
• Compliance with ISO and AAF accreditations
• Completing updates to the database to ensure that records are accurately maintained / data cleansing
• Dealing confidently with member enquiries by phone, email, and letter (where required)
• Providing general support to the Administration team/manager
• Ensuring that work is prioritised correctly so that target dates are met
• Training of other team members and assisting less experienced team members where/as required
• Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a similar role dealing with DB schemes
• Experience within the pensions' industry
• Highly proficient in Excel, demonstrating strong abilities in creating, manipulating, and analysing spreadsheets effectively
• Able to demonstrate ownership, responsibility, and accountability for self
• Be organised, methodical and logical in approach to delegated responsibilities
• Able to assist with developing a culture of high standards, excellent quality and customer responsiveness
• Able to develop administrators and administrative processes
• Be well organised and be a point of reference for knowledge
• Able to plan and then be flexible with that plan
• Be proactive, having drive and commitment
• Able to communicate effectively
• Has a can-do attitude and takes pride in work
• Pays attention to detail

Desirable

• Good decision maker, able to recognise the impact of decision, having good judgement
• A problem solver, dealing with practical, people and political problems
• Able to delegate effectively
• Achieved some exam successes in professional qualifications such as PMI / QPA / RPC / DPC / DPA and actively working towards full qualification

Employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.

How to Apply and Equality

Who are we: To find out more please visit. What We Offer: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS. How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit applications below or contact [e-mail]. Equal Opportunity Statement: XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.