Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions

Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions

Full-Time 37020 - 41227 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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 workplace culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital sector while enjoying great work-life balance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in public sector pensions and knowledge of regulatory compliance required.

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.

Key Responsibilities
  • Deliver efficient, compliant and accurate pension administration.
  • Maintain pension governance controls and monitor performance through dashboards and MI.
  • Support system updates and contribute to the wider Total Reward agenda.
  • Work closely with HR, Finance, Payroll, Pension administrators and external bodies to manage member data, contributions, and scheme transactions.
  • Ensure member data, contributions and scheme transactions are correctly managed, reconciled and reported.
Qualifications and Experience
  • Experience with the key principles of public sector pension schemes and the different roles involved (pensions expert).
  • Knowledge of the regulatory and compliance landscape for pensions, employer obligations and pension administrator obligations.
  • Experience in providing information, guidance and advice on pensions, pension rules, procedures and processes used to administer pensions, and meeting employer regulatory obligations.
  • CIPD qualification to level 3 Foundation and/or Certificate of Pension Administration (CPA) level 3 and member of the PMI.
  • Deliver expected stakeholder and member needs in line with the regulatory framework and Service Charter, with a professional, positive customer‑focused approach.
  • Experience with Oracle Fusion or proficiency in the use of HR specific IT systems is advantageous.
Code of Conduct

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.

Working Arrangements

Hybrid working with a 60%/40% split of home and office working. Details will be discussed and agreed with the successful individual. Please note that this role will initially be based at our HQ Culham until our relocation to Harwell in Autumn 2026 and the role thereafter will be based at Harwell.

Benefits
  • 27.5 days annual leave (rising 1 day after 2 years’ service, 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 3 days leave, which can be used for the period between Christmas and New Year.
  • Generous pension scheme (20.7% employer contribution).
  • Minimum employer contribution £7,663, employee contribution £3,035 per year – total annual pension contribution up to £10,698.
  • Bonus scheme – dependent on organisational and personal performance, up to a maximum of 7% of salary.
  • Participation in the national Blue Light Card scheme, offering discounts on a variety of products and services for emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces personnel.
  • 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

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.

Video Overview

Please review the video links below which will give you an overview of the vetting process that you will be required to go through if you are successful in your application to join the CNC:

  • Vetting: An Overview - https://youtu.be/lRit8RA7Zpo
  • Vetting and Finances - https://youtu.be/JmZP7r-9MEE
  • Vetting and Life Experiences - https://youtu.be/jVPHvgpB8nc
  • Vetting and Internet Use - https://youtu.be/hvXPicGQmYg

Pay and Reward Specialist - Pensions 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 hybrid working arrangements, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life experience while contributing to the vital mission of protecting the UK's nuclear industry. The CNC fosters an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated, ensuring that all staff feel valued and empowered in their roles.

Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Contact Detail:

Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

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 understanding the CNC's mission and values. Make sure you can articulate how your skills as a Pay and Reward Specialist align with their goals. Show them you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.

Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions related to pensions and compliance. Think about real-life examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel during the interview!

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 enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Pay and Reward Specialist position.

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

Pension Administration
Regulatory Compliance
Data Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Oracle Fusion
HR IT Systems Proficiency
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pay and Reward Specialist role. Highlight your experience with public sector pension schemes and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPD or CPA. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of pension regulations and compliance. Use specific examples from your past roles to show us how you’ve successfully managed pension administration and governance controls. This will really help you stand out!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experience.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!

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 landscape and be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance in your role as a Pay and Reward Specialist.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since you'll be working closely with HR, Finance, and external bodies, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past.

Be Data Savvy

Familiarise yourself with performance monitoring through dashboards and MI. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain data integrity and manage member data accurately in your previous roles.

Emphasise Your Customer-Focused Approach

The CNC values a professional, positive customer-focused approach. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to meet stakeholder needs and be ready to share those stories during your interview.