DC Senior Associate in Leeds

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

Our mission is to help our clients manage the complex issues which impact their pension scheme in a pragmatic and understandable way. Communication is a key part of this. The DC Consulting team are responsible for working with colleagues and other internal teams who are committed to providing a first-class service to our clients. The team is responsible for supporting Defined Contribution pension schemes, both trust based and contract based, and ensure these schemes are well run and have market leading governance arrangements in place. We are very ambitious and want to continue our strong growth. As part of this we are committed to developing market leading tools and approaches for our clients, for example, our member analytics software which helps DC clients better understand their member's needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Client work: Provide general support to the DC Consulting team. With the assistance of a senior colleague delivery of ongoing DC consultancy services to Trustee and/or corporate clients. Manage/support, with assistance of senior colleagues, all or some of the following:
• Preparation of Value for Money assessments and drafting Chairs Statements
• Member or employee communications (e.g. retirement support, annual newsletters)
• Scheme transitions
• Implementation of salary sacrifice
• Contribution benchmarking
• Scheme wind up projects
• AVC reviews
• Provider assessments/oversight
• Assist with monthly client billing process.
• People and work management: Managing and prioritising your own work allocation. Ensuring accurate time recording for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities, meeting required utilisation targets and assisting team leader in ensuring more junior staff do the same.
• Development: Participating in work related to other legislative requirements and general pensions consultancy. Undertaking research on topical issues and legislative changes, drafting and presenting summaries for management and clients. Attending and participating in internal technical meetings and other non-client activities such as delivering technical training courses. Generating and sharing ideas for, and participating in, new business development when required.

Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.

Your Profile

Essential: We are looking for someone who may already be in a Senior Associate position with relevant experience of Defined Contribution arrangements. Strong IT skills competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications. An ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, as our consulting team work closely with both our actuarial, investment, administration and support teams. Demonstrates positive personal impact qualities such as leadership, influencing and motivating skills. An aptitude for working with people both internal and external of the organisation. Excellent interpersonal abilities, able to forge strong working relationships with colleagues and clients. A client focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with clients both face to face and via the telephone. Sound commercial awareness. A high degree of professional integrity. Confident communicator, able to communicate effectively, professionally and concisely in writing, face to face and/or over the telephone. Well-developed report writing skills. Self-motivated and enthusiastic approach to work, in particular taking responsibility for personal and technical continuous professional development. Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work. An eagerness to take on responsibility. Able to listen and follow instructions, procedures and assimilate information quickly in a consistent and accurate manner. Equally comfortable in providing instructions to other members of the team to ensure consistent accurate work is delivered. An ability to manage conflicting demands on one's time and able to work to tight deadlines in order to meet client and legal obligations. Able to delegate work priorities to less experienced staff and manage workflows to meet client and legal expectations. Capable of anticipating, resolving and owning problems; identifying solutions to management as and when required. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills. Meticulous attention to detail is required in order to perform many elements of the role. A committed approach to continuous professional development is required, as the balance of study/work and life requires a high degree of self-motivation.

Qualification

The individual may already be part way through PMI or FCA approved advisor (e.g. CII or equivalent) qualifications; but we will consider those who are yet to start study but are keen to commence these.

What We Offer

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days' holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

Equal Opportunities Statement

XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.

Eligibility

Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, Satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.