Pensions Subject-Matter Expert / Pension Consultant in Chichester

Do you have expert knowledge of pension regulations, practices and procedures, 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.

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.