Senior Pensions Administrator - Scheme Events

XPS Pensions; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pensions consultancy in the UK is seeking a Senior Pensions Administrator to oversee scheme events. The role entails managing annual pension increases, producing benefit statements, and liaising with clients and third parties. Candidates should have a strong background in the pensions industry, especially with defined benefit schemes, and must be proficient in Excel. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility

Pension matching

Healthcare plans

Life assurance

Retailer discounts

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a similar role dealing with DB schemes.
• Highly proficient in Excel, demonstrating strong abilities in creating and analyzing spreadsheets.
• Able to develop administrators and administrative processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive annual pensions increase exercises for schemes.
• Produce annual benefit statements and related documentation.
• Check and authorize other team members' work.
• Assist production of benefit specifications for buy-in/buy-out work.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Pensions industry experience

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Education

Professional qualifications (e.g. PMI, QPA)

Job description

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Senior Pensions Administrator - Scheme Events

Location: Middlesbrough

Grade: Consultant

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hybrid

REQ003251

About XPS Group

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About the Team

Our teams of pension administrators provide services to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings, and hybrid schemes. Our range of pensions administration services include:

• Scheme administration
• Communication
• Scam identification
• Payroll services
• Pension scheme accounting
• De-risking projects
• Technical consultancy

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 comms 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.

Your Profile

Essential

• 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

What We Offer

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. 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]. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

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.

Eligibility

Any 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.

Who are we

To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com