At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing pensions team and ensure top-notch pension administration services.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, a forward-thinking local government organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to contribute to community-focused objectives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on pension services and shape the future of pension administration.
- Qualifications: Extensive LGPS knowledge and experience in managing teams and complex pension cases.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Pensions Team Leader to join our HR & Organisational Development team within the Resources and Innovation Directorate.
This is a key leadership role responsible for the delivery of a high-quality pension administration service across the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and NHS Pension Scheme (NHSPS).
As the Council’s lead pensions specialist, you will provide expert technical advice, ensure compliance with complex pension legislation and play a pivotal role in delivering an effective service to pensioners, active members, deferred members and scheme employers.
Working closely with the Head of Payroll & Pensions, you will lead and develop a high-performing pensions team, ensuring workloads are effectively managed and service standards consistently achieved.
The role involves overseeing complex pension calculations, interpreting legislative changes, managing reconciliation processes and ensuring the accurate administration of all pension-related transactions.
You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement, implementing regulatory changes and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, employers, auditors and external bodies.
In addition, you will provide expert guidance on complex enquiries, complaints, disputes and pension policy matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for a pensions professional who is passionate about leadership, service excellence and continuous improvement.
You will contribute to strategic workforce objectives, support the development of pension policies and processes, and help shape the future of pension administration at Harrow.
Joining a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation, you will play an important role in delivering outstanding services.
About You
- Extensive knowledge of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) legislation, including the Finance Act 2004 and relevant LGPS regulations.
- A minimum of five years’ experience within an LGPS administration environment.
- Significant supervisory or management experience within public or private sector pension administration.
- Strong technical expertise in pension calculations, pension regulations and statutory requirements.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams to achieve service objectives.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex and sensitive pension cases.
- Experience managing workloads and prioritising competing deadlines within a performance-driven environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with members, employers, senior managers and external organisations.
- Experience handling complex complaints, disputes and pension-related enquiries, including knowledge of the Internal Disputes Resolution Process.
- A strong understanding of governance, compliance, audit requirements and pension fund reconciliation processes.
- The ability to interpret legislation, implement regulatory changes and develop service improvements.
- Strong numerical skills with the ability to undertake and review complex calculations accurately.
- Experience using pension administration systems and producing accurate management information and reports.
- An understanding of the diverse nature of Harrow’s communities and a commitment to equality, inclusion and excellent customer service.
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience.
- Membership of, studying towards, or willingness to work towards a relevant professional qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), or equivalent, is desirable.
- Related Documents
- For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Team Leader in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Harrow Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Harrow Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Team Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Harrow Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Harrow Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Harrow Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Harrow Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Harrow Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Harrow Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Harrow Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.