Student Placement - Actuarial Team 2026

XPS Pensions Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pensions consultancy in Belfast is offering a Student Placement in their Actuarial Team for 2026. This is a full-time, permanent role where students will engage in real client issues and develop skills vital for their careers. Ideal candidates are pursuing a 2:1 degree and have strong communication skills. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual discretionary bonus

25 days’ holiday with buy/sell flexibility

Pension matching

Healthcare plans

Digital GP service

Paid volunteer days

Qualifications

• Minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in mathematics, economics or a science-based subject.
• Achieve an A grade (or higher) at A-Level in mathematics.
• Ability to manage multiple demands on your time.

Responsibilities

• Carry out valuations of benefits for pension schemes and individual members.
• Become a valuable member of the actuarial team.
• Support the team with client-related tasks.

Skills

Excellent communication and organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Client-focused approach

Ability to work in a team

Time management

Competence in Microsoft Office

Education

2:1 honours degree in any discipline

A grade at A-Level in mathematics

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Student Placement - Actuarial Team 2026

Location: Belfast | Grade: Associate | Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Contractual hours: 36.25 | Basis: Full time | Region: Northern Ireland | Job category/type: XPS Pensions

Date posted: 02/10/2025 | Job reference: REQ003184

About XPS Group

XPS Group is a prominent 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 actuaries work closely with trustees and plan sponsors to devise a funding plan suited to each scheme – within the constraints of legislation. The Belfast office provides actuarial and consultancy advice to a range of trustee and corporate clients and is part of a larger actuarial community across our other UK office locations. We use plain English believing that clarity is as important as accuracy in the delivery of actuarial advice.

About the Role

Our placement students are exposed to a variety of real client issues and from the start you will become a valuable member of a motivated, supportive and sociable team. Our students experience all aspects of the work of our actuarial team, for example carrying out valuations of benefits for pension schemes and individual members. We believe that the experience we offer allows students to develop invaluable skills that will benefit their future studies and career.

Your Profile: Essential

• Excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to “think outside the box” to deliver solutions for our clients.
• Working towards a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in any discipline, ideally mathematics, economics or a science‑based subject. Please include individual module marks to date within your CV.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• A client‑focused approach with the potential and desire to deliver excellent client service.
• Well‑developed communication skills, both orally and in writing, suitable for a diverse range of people.
• An ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team and an aptitude for working with people.
• An eagerness to take on responsibility and an ability to manage multiple demands on your time.
• Ideally competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and a general interest in our industry.

Qualifications

• Achieve an A grade (or higher) at A‑Level (or equivalent qualification) in mathematics.

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, retailer discounts, digital GP service, and employee assistance. Volunteering events are encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for suitable candidates.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications below or contact. 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.