Pensions Project Consultant

XPS Pensions Group is no ordinary company. We have earned numerous awards and accolades, making us an industry leader in Pensions Consultancy. As the largest pure pensions consultancy in the UK, we are a team of approximately 2000 employees spread across 15 locations nationwide. Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market, we pride ourselves on our ability to think and act differently, offering expert advice to over 1600 pension schemes and administering pensions for over 1,000,000 members.

We are currently seeking a Project Consultant to join our Admin Project Team. The XPS Admin Project Team (APT) is a separate, highly experienced, and specialised project resource comprised of circa 85 staff. APT have vast experience of working on numerous projects from data cleansing and benefit rectification to buy outs and wind ups. The team undertake project work from across XPS ensuring that day to day Administration work and resource is unaffected.

Our APT team undertakes projects such as:

• GMP rectification/equalisation
• Buy-in/buy-out
• Data cleansing
• Ad hoc projects for example scheme closures
• Benefit rectifications
• Liability reduction exercises
• McCloud and pension dashboards

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing project end to end, in line with budgets, deadlines and objectives.
• Coordinate and support less experienced staff.
• Act as a point of contact generally and to explain complex issues.
• Attend client and trustee meetings to present project updates.
• Set and achieve project delivery deadlines within scope and budget.
• Ensure client sign off on fees and scope has been secured as the work.
• Delivery of projects within agreed budgets, identification of out of scope work and proactive management and discussion with the clients to ensure that all work is billed in a timely manner.
• Involvement in process improvement initiatives.
• Completion and review of calculations for pensions benefit data both manually and spreadsheet based.
• Partner with Client and Administration Managers within the business on project delivery requirements and stakeholder management.
• Dealing confidently with HMRC, Client, Scheme, Actuaries, Scheme Administrators, Consultants, Pension Accounts/Payroll, Members and third parties by phone, email and letter.
• Checking and authorising other team members' work.
• Understanding and application of benefit structure, Trust Deed & Rules, Inland Revenue guidance notes, PSO, Disclosure requirements.
• Provision of technical information both verbally and in writing.
• Compliance with ISO and AAF accreditations.
• Providing general support to the team manager.
• Support the delivery of a continuous improvement programme championing operational excellence while identifying areas where the project delivery service to clients could be improved and/or expanded.

Your Profile

Essential

• Demonstrable previous experience in a similar pensions' projects role, or BAU pensions administration roles.
• Previous Defined Benefit (DB) pensions scheme experience.
• Commercial Acumen in order to plan, manage, track and deliver project revenue, client and business requirements within budget.
• Strong organisational skills with proven ability to manage resources and operational delivery of a team to ensure revenue targets met and work delivered to plan.
• Technical pensions and data projects knowledge to be able to explain complex issues to key stakeholders internally and externally.
• The ability to manipulate spreadsheet data using formulas, such as Index, V-look up, Pivot Table is essential.
• Able to efficiently resolve issues by identifying solutions to enable projects to be effectively delivered in accordance with client requirements.
• Proven ability to lead a project providing strategic direction and guidance while managing, coaching and mentoring individual team members.
• Concise and confident communicator of complex project issues - covering both verbal and written skills.
• Ability to work within a team towards targets.
• Be proactive, having drive and commitment.
• Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and champion diversity within the team.

Desirable

• May have achieved some exam success in professional qualifications such as PMI/QRA/RPC/DPC/DPA and actively working towards full qualification.

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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications below or contact recruitment@xpsgroup.com. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Equal Opportunity 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.