At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape pension policy and provide expert advice on complex pension matters.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, a supportive and flexible employer.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 30 days leave, and health support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and extensive development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on thousands of lives through vital pension schemes.
- Qualifications: Expertise in pension regulations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 51356 £ per year.
Do you have expert knowledge of pension regulations, practices and procedure, particularly within Local Authority schemes or other Public Sector pension schemes? Are you ready to shape policy, influence key decisions and make a genuine difference? This is your opportunity to join West Sussex County Council in a pivotal role where your expertise will help shape the future of the pension provision for thousands of employees across the Council and schools.
As Pensions Consultant, you’ll be the subject-matter expert across the County Council where you’ll take ownership of pension policy, ensuring compliance, driving best practice, and supporting robust decision-making across the organisation. You will be a Pensions subject-matter expert across four major pension schemes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Fire Pension Schemes
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme
This is a high-impact, specialist role within our HR Policy and Pensions Team. You will:
- Lead the development and review of pension-related employment policy and decisions.
- Provide expert advice on complex pension matters, including legislation, regulation and case law.
- Ensure pension decisions, disputes and queries are handled compliantly and consistently.
- Influence and guide senior stakeholders to make informed, risk-aware decisions.
- Monitor national changes and best practice, ensuring WSCC remains compliant and forward-thinking.
- Support projects with pension implications (e.g. TUPE, auto-enrolment, policy change).
- Build strong partnerships with HR, Payroll, schools and external stakeholders.
You will play a key role in ensuring the Council fulfils its responsibilities as an employer while delivering high-quality outcomes for scheme members.
We’re seeking a confident and knowledgeable pensions professional who can challenge, influence and deliver:
- Evidenced ability to develop and maintain detailed knowledge of relevant pension regulations, practices, and procedures for local government with expertise in one or more of schemes such as the LGPS, Fire Schemes, the NHS Pension Scheme and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
- Experience developing pension-related employment policy and practice.
- Ability to provide timely, sound and accurate advice and guidance direct to managers.
- The confidence to constructively challenge and drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively.
- Post Graduate Diploma in the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and/or Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management (IPPM) qualified or equivalent HR/Pension related qualification or depth of experience.
- Chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Institute of Payroll and Pensions Management or equivalent, and/or evidence of continuous professional development.
- Strong analytical skills with demonstrable experience of considering complex issues, including legislation and case law, in developing and implementing solutions to meet the needs of the organisation.
At West Sussex County Council, their people are at the heart of everything they do. Committed to supporting your development and offering a rewarding and flexible working environment.
Benefits:
- A generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
- 30 days annual leave (plus option to buy more).
- Flexible and hybrid working options – minimum 1 day per week on site – Chichester, West Sussex.
- Excellent family-friendly policies.
- Access to extensive learning, development, coaching and mentoring.
- Employee discounts platform – save over £1,000 per year.
- Health and wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme.
This is more than a technical role; it’s a chance to influence policy, support the workforce, and ensure best practice across vital pension schemes that impact thousands of lives. If you’re ready to take the next step in your pensions career and make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
Please speak to either: Matthew Whitfield - / 07935100170 or Caroline Whicher - / 07889992004.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Pensions Consultant in Chichester employer: Festival of Work
West Sussex County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a generous Local Government Pension Scheme, 30 days of annual leave, and flexible working options. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive learning and mentoring opportunities, you will be part of a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Consultant in Chichester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Consultant in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Festival of Work and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Festival of Work
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Festival of Work, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Festival of Work.
