Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions in Harwell

Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions in Harwell

Harwell Full-Time 37020 - 41227 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Civil Nuclear Constabulary

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage pension schemes and ensure compliance with regulations while supporting employee experience.
  • Company: Join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, a leading organisation in protective policing.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, excellent pension scheme, hybrid working, and 27.5 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital role that supports the nuclear industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in public sector pensions and a CIPD qualification or CPA level 3.

The predicted salary is between 37020 - 41227 £ per year.

£37,020 to £41,227 plus a £2,000 South East allowance per annum (for individuals based at HQ), generous benefits package including excellent pension scheme. Based at Culham, Oxfordshire or Calder Bridge, Cumbria (hybrid working) Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week).

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an armed police service dedicated to the nuclear industry. Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as the United Kingdom’s leading organisation for the provision of protective policing for the civil nuclear industry and other critical national infrastructure. Given the critical nature of our work, it’s vital that we recruit skilled and committed professionals to our team.

We’re looking for a Pay and Reward Specialist to ensure the CNC meets all regulatory and employer obligations in the administration of its occupational pension schemes. You’ll deliver efficient, compliant and accurate pension administration; underpinned by clear processes, strong data integrity, effective communication and a developing self‑service culture. You’ll work closely with HR, Finance, Payroll, Pension administrators and external bodies; ensuring that member data, contributions and scheme transactions are correctly managed, reconciled and reported.

This role maintains pension governance controls, monitors performance through dashboards and MI, supports system updates, and contributes to the wider Total Reward agenda. Your specialist expertise will enable the CNC to deliver a high-quality pension service that supports employee experience and aligns with CNC’s strategic intent.

To be successful in this role you’ll have experience with the key principles of public sector pension schemes, and the different roles involved- a pensions expert; with knowledge of the Regulatory and Compliance landscape for pensions, obligations for the employer and that of the pension administrator. You’ll understand the difference between providing information, guidance and advice on pensions, pension rules, procedures and processes used to administer pensions, and meet employer regulatory obligations.

Your experience will be supported by a CIPD qualification to level 3 Foundation and/or Certificate of Pension Administration (CPA) level 3 and member of the PMI. You will be able to deliver expected stakeholder and member needs in line with the regulatory framework and Service Charter, whilst demonstrating a professional, positive customer focussed approach; tailoring your communication style to meet the stakeholders need.

It would be advantageous if you had experience with Oracle Fusion; or were proficient in the use of HR specific IT systems. As police staff the public expect us to display the highest standards, values and professional qualities at all times. The CNC values and Code of Ethics applies to all police staff and sets out the principles and standards of behaviour we expect to see, and you are responsible for displaying and delivering these to the highest standards.

This role has been assessed as suitable for hybrid working with a 60% / 40% split of home and office working, details of which will be discussed and agreed with the successful individual.

Benefits of working for the CNC:

  • 27.5 days annual leave (rising by 1 day after 2 years’ service, and 0.5 days every year thereafter until a total of 32.5 days is reached) plus Bank Holidays
  • Additional 30 minutes time worked during the week to accrue additional leave of 3 days, which can be used for period between Christmas and New Year (total hours per week of 37.5)
  • Generous pension scheme (20.7% employer contribution). The minimum employer contribution for this grade will be £7,663, and the employee contribution of £3,035 per year – providing you with a total annual pension contribution of up to £10,698.
  • Bonus scheme – dependent on organisational and personal performance, up to a maximum of 7% of salary
  • Officers and staff can join the national Blue Light Card scheme which offers discounts on a variety of products and services to those working in the emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces
  • Free parking on site
  • Free gym on site
  • Subsidised Costa Coffee and restaurant/cafeteria on site
  • Enhanced family friendly and wellbeing policies
  • Cycle to Work scheme

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At CNC we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work. Through the dedicated commitment of our affinity networks, ED&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact the Police Staff Recruitment Team to request accommodation.

Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions in Harwell employer: Civil Nuclear Constabulary

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package, including a robust pension scheme and flexible hybrid working arrangements, CNC fosters an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Employees can expect to thrive in their roles while contributing to the vital mission of protecting the UK's nuclear industry.

Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Contact Details:

Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions in Harwell

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the CNC on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can give you insights that you won’t find in the job description.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the CNC’s values and mission. Make sure you can articulate how your skills align with their goals, especially around pension administration and compliance. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the organisation too!

Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions related to pensions and public sector regulations. You can even do mock interviews with friends or family. The more comfortable you are discussing your expertise, the more confident you’ll appear to the interviewers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions in Harwell

Pension Administration
Regulatory Compliance
Data Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Customer Focus
Oracle Fusion

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with public sector pension schemes. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Pay and Reward Specialist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your CIPD level 3 or Certificate of Pension Administration qualifications. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff, so make it clear how your qualifications make you a great fit for this role.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your communication style reflects the professional, customer-focused approach we value at CNC.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Know Your Pensions Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the key principles of public sector pension schemes. Understand the regulatory and compliance landscape, as well as the obligations of both the employer and the pension administrator. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.

Tailor Your Communication Style

Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, practice adapting your communication style to suit different audiences. Be prepared to provide information, guidance, and advice on pensions in a way that resonates with each stakeholder's needs.

Showcase Your Experience with IT Systems

If you have experience with Oracle Fusion or other HR-specific IT systems, be sure to highlight this during your interview. Discuss how you've used these tools to manage data and improve processes, as this will show your technical proficiency and ability to contribute to the team.

Emphasise Your Customer-Focused Approach

The CNC values a professional and positive customer-focused approach. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've tailored your service to meet stakeholder needs, ensuring you align with the organisation's commitment to high standards and ethical behaviour.