Senior Pensions Administrator (DC)

Xafinity Consulting Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading consulting firm as a Senior Pensions Administrator in Reading, where you will leverage your expertise in Defined Contribution pension schemes. This role offers a vibrant work environment with hybrid working options, allowing you to thrive while managing complex pensions queries and overseeing administration tasks. You will play a vital role in ensuring compliance and delivering exceptional client service, all while mentoring junior colleagues. An exciting opportunity awaits for a motivated individual eager to make a significant impact in the pensions industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary Bonus Scheme

25 days holiday plus flexibility

Flexible Bank holidays

Pension scheme with matching contributions

Healthcare cash plan

Flexible Benefits Scheme

Life Assurance cover

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid volunteering day

Qualifications

• Experience in pensions administration of Defined Contribution schemes is essential.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools and complex pension calculations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pensions administration tasks and maintain client relationships.
• Monitor team performance and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Provide expert advice and support to junior staff and clients.

Skills

Pensions Administration

Defined Contribution schemes

Complex pension calculations

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C or equivalent

Tools

OpenAir

Job description

At XPS Group we operate a hybrid/flexible working style. We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. As part of our Disability Confident pledge we run the ‘Offer an interview’ scheme at XPS. If you have a disability and meet the ‘essential criteria’ described in the person specification for the role being applied for, you are guaranteed an interview. Access to the Disability Confident scheme simply requires you to (1) Show you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification, and (2) In the Offer an Interview Scheme section on our application form tick the box for 'do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?' If you are successful in your application you undertake pre-employment checks which include: Right to Work confirmation, DBS Disclosure check, Qualification checks, Employment and/or educational references covering five years & Satisfactory credit check. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please email [e-mail]

Job Profile for Senior Pensions Administrator (DC)

Location: Reading

Contract Type: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract

Job Reference: REQ002691

XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential.

Job Details

Contractual Hours: 36.25

Job Category/Type: XPS Administration

Date Posted: 04/12/2024

Job Description

Our Pensions Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Senior Pensions Administrator to join our vibrant Reading office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar Pensions Administration role where they have gained knowledge and experience of Defined Contribution pension schemes.

The Role

As a Senior Pensions Administrator with XPS you will:

• Adhere to best practice procedures in all aspects of pensions administration related tasks as defined by the Company.
• Maintain a client focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with clients both face to face and via the telephone.
• Oversee the management of monthly and annual processes on the team, ensuring processes are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
• Monitor accuracy, performance, and SLAs for the team, including activity and client performances, and take action to ensure targets are met.
• Ensure standard documentation is scheme specific and incorporate them into existing procedures.
• Where appropriate, participate in client meetings.
• Handle complex pensions queries.
• Sign out non-standard letters in response to client and member queries.
• Update relevant pension administration databases and systems.
• Perform manual benefits calculations.
• Help identify any training needs across the team and assist with developing and mentoring team members.
• Support, motivate and coach colleagues to the benefit of the team and wider Company.
• Manage ad hoc projects and exercises.
• Act as a key member of the pensions administration team, providing support to the assigned team leader.
• Monitor, delegate and co-ordinate workflow, reporting regularly to team leader on progress and issue management.
• Seek ways of innovating and improving quality, service delivery and efficiencies in processes and procedures.
• Provide expert advice solutions to pensions queries and pensions consultative advice; keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry, and providing technical support to more junior staff.
• Work closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Support.
• Ensure the accurate updating of time recording system (OpenAir) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities and meeting required utilisation targets.

Your Profile

Essential Criteria

• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Contribution (DC) schemes.
• Experience of current pensions legislation and framework.
• Experience performing complex pension calculations and checking work of junior colleagues.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Maths and English GCSE grade 4/C or equivalent.
• Confident communicator and problem solver.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic approach to work, in particular taking responsibility for personal and technical continuous professional development.
• An eagerness to take on responsibility and adopt a flexible approach when work pressures are high.
• Able to see projects/tasks through to completion within given timescales.
• Great interpersonal and organisational skills.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
• Flexible Bank holidays
• Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
• Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
• XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
• Access to a digital GP service
• Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
• Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS

What Next

If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.

Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:

• Right to Work confirmation
• DBS Disclosure check
• Employment or educational references covering five years
• Satisfactory credit check

We continuously strive to build an inclusive workplace where all forms of diversity are valued, including age, background, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Please note we reserve the right to close our vacancies early and we only accept CVs direct from candidates or our preferred supplier list.

XPS try wherever possible to respond to all applicants if for any reason you have not heard from us within 28 days of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.