HR Pensions Advisor in Exeter

The Defra Group Pension team is responsible for providing an HR expert service to Core Defra, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Rural Payments Agency, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England, and several other smaller agencies and bodies. Pensions is a complex and challenging area in HR, and the team consists of subject matter experts and specialists who provide pension expertise and guidance.

We are looking for a Pensions Advisor to work within our small dynamic team under the direction of a Pensions Lead. This role will initially be focused on providing support and guidance to the high‑profile Water Reform Programme, as well as playing a key role in a potential transfer of colleagues to a new regulator. Following the Independent Water Commission Review and its 88 recommendations, Defra is leading a major reform to reset the water sector, including the creation of a new regulator. This is a flagship programme backed by significant investment and a mandate for bold change.

The People Workstream sits at the heart of this reform, ensuring the workforce, structures, and culture are ready to deliver, and this role is your opportunity to be part of shaping the foundations of a new regulatory landscape. Your work will directly contribute to building a modern, resilient regulatory system that supports environmental and economic goals.

You will undertake preparatory and feasibility work, and the activities that may be required for a potential transfer of colleagues’ pensions to the new regulator and other activities associated with a possible TUPE/COSOP process. You will be expected to liaise with the Government Actuary’s Department, legal teams, wider Water Reform colleagues and other key stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. This will require knowledge of pensions considerations and actions during TUPE/COSOP processes, as well as a good understanding of the Civil Service Pension Scheme and/or the Local Government Pension Scheme.

The Water reform programme is a fast‑paced environment and, to be successful, we need to respond quickly to changing demand and priorities while maintaining high standards and professionalism. This is a high‑profile role and requires an individual who is adaptable, able to prioritise effectively and takes the initiative, while being an effective team player.

Reporting to the Pensions Lead for the Water Reform Programme, you will also be part of the wider Pensions Team within Defra HR, where we work together to ensure that colleagues are supported during their time here. We believe in delivering first‑class customer service and resolving queries from colleagues as soon as possible.

For the Water Reform Programme you will (but are not limited to):

• Act as a specialist advisor for the Water Reform programme, representing the team in all appropriate Programme meetings.
• Implement all pension activities for the programme, including activities that may be required for a potential TUPE/COSOP process to ensure the smooth transition of colleague’s pension requirements. This includes collating existing pension information for transferring colleagues, liaising with 3rd‑party providers on pension transfer, administering the pensions activities of the transfer process, and communicating with affected colleagues as appropriate.
• Provide expert advice as needed to the Water Reform Bill.
• Liaise with wider expert services teams involved in the potential transfer of colleagues to a new regulator.
• Liaise with the Government Actuary’s Department on behalf of the Water Reform team where necessary.
• Offer expert input to the Communications Programme and handle pensions queries from all parties as part of any consultation process.

Outside of the Water Reform Project, you may also be asked to contribute to the wider Pensions Team with responsibilities such as (but not limited to):

• Provide expert support on other pension transfer or second‑generation pension transfer situations, working across 3rd‑party providers, contract managers such as Cabinet Office and the Environment Agency Pension Fund Management team to facilitate transfer into pension arrangements.
• Support the implementation of current and upcoming legislative changes, including review and implementation of processes across 3rd‑party providers.
• Assist with BAU work, such as complex case management, process improvement and responding to queries.
• Provide expertise across other project work within the team, including rectification projects.
• Build influencing relationships with internal and external customers and use these contacts to gain an understanding of and resolve complex or cross‑cutting issues.

Your personal qualities will be as important as your professional experience, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Defra group is dedicated to having a diverse workforce that represents people in our communities and an inclusive culture where everyone feels they can be their authentic self at work, belong in the organisation and can speak up to challenge.

For this post you will be assessed on the following areas:

• A good working knowledge and experience of the Civil Service Pension Scheme and/or Local Government Pension Scheme administration.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with proven ability to understand and translate complex issues, applying judgement to make sound decisions about recommended options and tailoring communications appropriately.
• Strong drafting and presentation skills.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to strategically analyse and evaluate data.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own workload when operating in a changing and fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to quickly build and influence relationships with all levels of stakeholders.

Alongside your salary of £42,665, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £12,360 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.