At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape pension policy and influence key decisions for thousands of employees.
- Company: Join West Sussex County Council, where people are at the heart of everything.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital pension schemes that affect lives.
- Qualifications: Expertise in pension regulations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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 include:
- 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 employer: Hays
At West Sussex County Council, we prioritise our employees' growth and well-being, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that fosters professional development. With a commitment to making a real impact in the community, our Pensions Consultant role provides the opportunity to influence policy and ensure compliance across vital pension schemes, all while enjoying generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and access to extensive learning resources. Join us in Chichester and be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality outcomes for thousands of employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Consultant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hays. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hays.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hays's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hays.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hays will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hays employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.