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- Tasks: Manage pensions services, handle complex cases, and support HR teams across various projects.
- Company: Join the Defra Group, a leader in providing expert HR services.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in pensions management.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to collaborate on high-profile projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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, as well as 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 work closely with our third-party providers and stakeholders to deliver a seamless service to the business, working collaboratively on high profile projects and the delivery of critical business as usual activities.
It 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.
We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as a Pensions Advisor. This will give you the chance to get involved with a number of ongoing projects. You will learn more about the implementation of our new HR and payroll system synergy, build relationships with 3rd party pensions, HR and payroll administrators and work with cross government working groups and different areas of the business. We are a small, flexible team so your role could cover a variety of areas including:
- Responsibility for the daily management of the pensions service across Defra Group. This involves monitoring mailboxes, responding to queries and investigating complaint cases.
- Undertaking complex case management such as ill health retirements for deferred and active members, death grant payment cases and the implementation of child and dependent pensions.
- Representing the team by contributing to HR and Cross Government Working Groups including attendance at meetings and forums.
- Supporting team members on Commercial Pension Activity relating to closed and active pension schemes.
- Management of closed pension scheme administration to include liaison with 3rd party providers, calculation of annual pension increase and budgetary management of invoice payments.
- Advising and guiding HR Business Partners (HRBPs), HR Caseworkers and Expert Service Colleagues on complex issues. Providing support for the most difficult cases which cannot be resolved within the normal rules or precedents and provide novel solutions where required.
- Reviewing processes and process documentation and using your knowledge of automation to make improvements to the way we operate alongside 3rd party providers.
You will need to demonstrate:
- Experience of supporting a team within an HR environment
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage differing priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Evidence of seeing a task from beginning to end with good accuracy and attention to detail
- Good interpersonal skills to manage effective working relationships
- Extensive experience of using Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel
- A good level of numeracy
- The ability to prioritise and manage your workload when operating in a changing and fast-paced environment.
Pensions Administrator employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Contact Detail:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the pensions field on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us you know what we do and how you can contribute to our team’s success!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to HR and pensions. We want to see your expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show us you're genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pensions Administrator role. Highlight your experience in HR and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is key, use clear and concise language in your application. We love seeing candidates who can express complex ideas simply, so don’t hold back on showcasing your writing prowess!
Detail Your Organisational Skills: In a fast-paced environment like ours, organisation is crucial. Share examples of how you've managed multiple priorities or complex cases in the past. We want to know how you keep everything running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pensions, especially the specifics related to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like ill health retirements and child pensions, as well as the processes involved. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand the complexities of the field.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple priorities. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to keep things running smoothly, even in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex issues. The interviewers will be looking for strong verbal communication skills, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery and ensure you can explain intricate pension topics simply.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Teamwork
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders and team members. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past. Highlight any experience you have with cross-functional teams or projects, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well in a flexible team environment.
