Quality Assurance Lead in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

To provide evidenced assurance to the Pension Funds management team that all aspects of pensions administration are operating to a high quality standard, and that all processes, procedures, policies and strategies relating to pensions administration are fit for purpose, compliant, and are being correctly and consistently implemented by the pensions administration team.

To lead on developing, implementing, evidencing and embedding a strategy and robust framework for quality assurance as it relates to pensions administration. This post will contribute towards delivery of the Funds vision, and all strategic vision goals, with particular reference to goals 13 & 16.

To act independently to provide specialist compliance input, support and rules interpretation to the rest of the administration function (specifically this includes member services and employer services) to ensure the regulatory requirements are met and to assist with business development.

To check, audit, comment on and approve suitability of processes and suitability of reporting standards requiring compliance sign off. To produce compliance and training material and provide the day-to-day technical support to the Fund through the interpretation of the relevant regulations.

To develop an assurance framework to ensure that policies, procedures and processes etc are being followed effectively, which may include sample testing, exception reporting, and/or other regular checks, and to highlight findings to the management team, along with recommendations for improvements.

To ensure the team are aware and trained on the latest changes in the regulations and that consistent processes are maintained for all team members, enabling and empowering the team to be self-sufficient in completing their job requirements in line with the regulations.

Indicative qualifications

• Degree in relevant profession, or equivalent experience/skills.
• Licence / certificate / qualification required for the role ITQ 2 or equivalent ICT skills and abilities demonstrating significant experience in related IT systems.
• Professional qualification in area of specialism (or equivalent experience).

Knowledge

• Significant relevant professional experience post qualification in a similar work environment.
• Expert knowledge in the area of specialism.
• Expert knowledge of relevant policy, systems, work practices, professional guidelines, legislation and a good understanding of emerging developments in the area of specialism.
• Excellent ICT skills including use of Microsoft applications and specialist systems.
• Knowledge and experience of developing systems, policies, procedures and / or practices.
• Good knowledge of the wider sector / external influences.
• Detailed operational knowledge of systems in terms of functionality, capability and availability.
• Excellent interpersonal, persuasion, influencing and negotiating skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with proven ability to prioritise and co-ordinate workloads, monitor and evaluate work, to ensure deadlines are achieved.
• Proven ability to apply initiative and strategic awareness to problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to lead projects with service / organisation impact.

Essential

• Degree or Professional qualification.
• CIPP Foundation Degree in Pensions Administration and Management/PMI Diploma qualified or equivalent.
• Experience of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Fire Fighters Scheme.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• 5 years experience of administering a large final salary pension scheme.
• Evidence of specific LGPS pension expertise.
• Strong technical knowledge of Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations, Police Scheme and Fire Fighters Scheme rules and related legislation.
• Extensive experience of computerised pensions administration systems.
• A thorough understanding of pension regulations, associated tax rules and other relevant legislation.
• Experience of delivering wide ranging regulatory guidance and solutions for a large pension fund.
• Working up to date knowledge of relevant regulatory rules and guidance with the experience to interpret, understand and adapt processes when new regulations are issued.
• Experience of pension administration audits and dealing with internal and external auditors.
• Able to present on an individual or group basis technical issues clearly at a level that enables them to understand the issues.
• Strong technical knowledge of final salary pension schemes and related legislation.
• An appreciation of the wider issues facing the pensions industry nationally.
• Computer literate with advanced spreadsheet and word-processing skills.
• The skills to lead, manage, motivate and support teams to achieve excellent results.
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, and well developed report-writing skills.
• Excellent inter-personal skills with an appropriate level of assertiveness balanced by a diplomatic and sensitive approach.
• Well developed business presentation skills.
• The ability to explain and interpret complex regulatory and business requirements to people who have little or no knowledge of pensions.
• Well honed organisational skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Evidence of strong influencing and persuasion skills.
• Self motivated, enthusiastic and committed.
• A pro-active and creative approach with a real drive for change and challenge.
• A credible confident approach.
• A natural team player who will complement the existing team.

Education: Diploma of Higher Education (required)

Experience: Quality Assurance Lead: 3 years (required), Pensions: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification: CIPP Foundation Degree in Pensions Administration (required)