At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of M&S's pensions and benefits strategy while managing policies and projects.
- Company: Join M&S, a dynamic retailer committed to quality, value, and exceptional service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 20% discount, competitive holidays, bonuses, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Be part of an inclusive team shaping the future of retail with impactful rewards.
- Qualifications: Experience in DC pensions, strong stakeholder management, and familiarity with HRIS systems required.
- Other info: M&S values diversity and offers support throughout the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At M&S, we’re committed to creating a workplace where our colleagues feel valued, supported, and rewarded. We’re looking for a Pension & Benefits Manager to join our Reward team and help shape the future of our total reward offering.
As the Pension & Benefits Lead, you’ll play a pivotal role in developing and delivering our reward strategy. You’ll work closely with the Head of Reward, People Partners, and third-party providers to ensure our offering is competitive, compliant, and colleague-focused.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
Here are some of the benefits we offer that make working for M&S just that little bit more special:
- After completing your probationary period, you’ll receive 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many of our third-party brands for you and a member of your household.
- Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days!
- Discretionary bonus schemes awarded based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business.
- A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance.
- A dedicated welcome to our teams with a tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills.
- Amazing perks and discounts via our M&S Choices portal to maximise your financial and personal wellbeing.
- Industry-leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies, providing support and flexibility for your family.
- Access to a fantastic range of wellbeing support for all colleagues including access to our 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist to support you and your family.
- A charity volunteer day to support a charity or cause you're passionate about through a dedicated day away from work.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- Support the Head of Reward in designing and embedding the pensions and benefits strategy.
- Own and manage policies, ensuring effective delivery through internal teams and external suppliers.
- Lead the recognition and long service strategy across M&S.
- Lead on pension and benefit projects, including annual reviews and renewals.
- Drive colleague engagement through campaigns, events, and clear communications.
- Collaborate with the Pension Trustee team and support governance activities, including presenting to committees.
- Provide expert guidance across the People function and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and maintaining up-to-date market insight.
- Coach and develop a Benefits Consultant to support their growth and performance.
Your skills and experience will include:
- Proven experience in DC pensions and benefits within a complex organisation.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience in policy ownership and third-party management.
- DB pension and recognition programme experience.
- Familiarity with HRIS systems (e.g., Oracle).
Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application.
Contact Detail:
Career Wallet Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pension and Benefits Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with M&S's current pension and benefits offerings. Understanding their existing strategies will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pensions and benefits field, especially those who have worked at M&S or similar organisations. This can provide you with insider insights and potentially valuable connections.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed pension and benefits projects in the past. Highlight your stakeholder management skills and any innovative strategies you've implemented.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and legislation in pensions and benefits. Being knowledgeable about current issues will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to contribute effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Pension and Benefits Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Pension and Benefits Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in DC pensions and benefits, as well as your stakeholder management skills.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your experience in policy ownership and third-party management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements in previous roles, particularly those that relate to pensions and benefits.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight how your skills align with M&S's values and their commitment to creating a supportive workplace. Mention any relevant projects or initiatives you've led that showcase your ability to drive colleague engagement.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Wallet
✨Understand the Reward Strategy
Familiarise yourself with M&S's current reward strategy and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Highlight any relevant projects you've led that demonstrate your ability to shape and deliver a competitive benefits offering.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholders in previous roles. M&S values strong influencing skills, so be ready to discuss specific situations where you navigated complex relationships to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Brush up on relevant legislation related to pensions and benefits. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your work and share any experiences where you've had to adapt policies to meet legal requirements.
✨Engage with Colleague Engagement Strategies
Think about how you've driven colleague engagement in past roles. M&S is looking for someone who can lead campaigns and events, so come equipped with ideas on how to enhance communication and engagement around benefits and recognition.