At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape pension policy and provide expert advice on complex pension matters.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council and make a real difference.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent development opportunities and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Influence key decisions and support thousands of employees' futures.
- Qualifications: Expertise in pension regulations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new company
This is your opportunity to join West Sussex County Council in a pivotal role where your expertise will help shape the future of our pension provision for thousands of employees across the Council and schools.
Do you have expert knowledge of pension regulations, practices and procedure, particularly within Local Authority schemes or Public Sector? Are you ready to shape policy, influence key decisions and make a genuine difference?
Your new role
As their 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
About the Role
This is a high-impact, specialist role within the 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.
What you'll need to succeed
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
What you'll get in return
At West Sussex County Council, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to supporting your development and offering a rewarding and flexible working environment.
- A generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- 30 days annual leave (plus option to buy more)
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- 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
Join West Sussex County Council and Make a Difference
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.
What you need to do now
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.
Pensions Consultant in Chichester employer: Hays Senior Finance
West Sussex County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development and well-being of its employees. With a commitment to flexible working, generous leave policies, and extensive learning opportunities, you will thrive in a supportive environment where your expertise as a Pensions Consultant can truly make a difference. Join us to influence policy and support thousands of employees while enjoying a rewarding career in a forward-thinking local authority.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Consultant in Chichester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pensions field, especially those who work with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of pension regulations and practices. Be ready to discuss how you can influence policy and support decision-making at West Sussex County Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance, share examples of how you've handled complex pension matters or influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a subject-matter expert.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at West Sussex County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Consultant in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pensions Consultant role. Highlight your experience with pension regulations and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Provide examples of how you've influenced policy or handled complex pension matters. This will help us see your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and achievements. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like pensions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at West Sussex County Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Pension Schemes
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of the Local Government Pension Scheme, Fire Pension Schemes, NHS Pension Scheme, and Teachers' Pension Scheme. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your expertise and confidence in the subject matter.
✨Prepare for Complex Questions
Expect questions that challenge your understanding of pension regulations and case law. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as this will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to handle complex issues.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills
Be ready to discuss examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders in the past. Highlight your experience in influencing decisions and guiding senior management, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be dealing with complex technical information, practise explaining these concepts in simple terms. This will not only help you during the interview but also reflect your ability to communicate effectively with non-experts.
