30245 - Pensions Specialist (Administration)

This is your chance to become a Pensions Specialist, working closely with the Pensions Administration Manager in all aspects of LGPS administration. This will include the operational management and delivery of our third-party administration contract. Your chance to ensure the administration service is being delivered to the agreed standards. Identifying, managing and monitoring process improvements to uphold a high-quality service to all LGPS members and stakeholders.

You will also need to support the EAPF's scheme employers to ensure compliance and resolve any service-related issues with the third-party administrator (TPA). You will take responsibility for the management of any data or regulatory breaches, which includes identifying and progressing any resultant process improvements with the TPA. Another key responsibility will be managing complex member enquiries and escalations to the TPA, including complaint cases. When required, this will include supporting the collation of evidence for Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You may be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you.

The EA is fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies (including job share).

The team sits in the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance directorate, which reports to the EA's Chief Executive. We are a friendly team of over 20, based in our Head Office in Bristol. The team manages the EAPF's administration, finance, governance, and investments, but all fully committed to making sure the fund is as successful as it can possibly be. We operate flexible working arrangements.

You will need experience of LGPS administration, as well the ability to interpret pensions legislation and understand third-party administration arrangements. An understanding of pension administration systems is also important, as well as being able to identify process improvements and manage complex cases.

Being a good team player is essential, but also an excellent communicator. You will be required to work on your initiative and respond to challenging situations, managing unexpected workloads and demands. Sound analytical skills are key when managing performance data and reporting. It will be important to be organised and manage strict deadlines. Relationship management is another key facet to nurturing and maintaining solid working relationships with third-party contractors to ensure obligations are met.

You will require experience of most Microsoft 365 applications. Attainment to industry standard qualifications is desirable, but not essential, as opportunities to attain such qualifications will be considered.

Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone, as well as being part of a fast-moving industry - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)? If so, the Environment Agency (EA) is the organisation for you - as the administering authority for the award-winning Environment Agency Pension Fund (EAPF), managing around £4.5 billion assets for our 40,000 members.