Principal Pensions Data Administrator

Remote/Hybrid Working with 2 days in Preston, Lancashire. Fully home-working contracts will be considered for candidates living 50+ miles from our offices in Preston. Salary £33k - £40k & benefits DOE. 37 hours a week.

A glance at the role: Accurate, high-quality data underpins everything we do. The Principal Pensions Data Administrator role combines in-depth knowledge of the LGPS and wider pensions legislation with a specialist focus on data management. You will play a key role in driving data-related initiatives, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and continuously improving data processing standards to support reliable and efficient pension administration. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our fast-paced, collaborative and member-focused business within the data services team. You will join a friendly, welcoming and sociable work culture where there are many opportunities for continuous personal and professional development, and you will be supported to reach your full potential.

A bit about us: Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) is a multi-award-winning organisation and one of the UKs leading pension administration companies. We strive to deliver the best experience for over 1,500 employers and more than 700,000 members of Local Government, Police and Firefighter pension schemes, keeping them fully informed about their pensions whilst working closely with employers to continuously educate and support them.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary £33k - £40k DOE
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and 2 additional concessionary days and 1 day for your Birthday, with the ability to buy and sell leave
• Access to an excellent pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contributions
• Access to Health or Dental Plan
• Access to our Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme for when you might need some support
• The opportunity to earn through our Employee Referral Scheme
• Access to our bespoke Reward Discount Scheme
• Opportunities to attend Wellbeing webinars and social events
• Daily free fruit and snacks available to you in our office
• Free Car Parking in Preston City Centre

What you'll be doing:

• Lead on the assessment and validation of complex data submissions, ensuring accuracy and timely compliance with all relevant deadlines and regulatory requirements
• Significantly contribute to the production and distribution of annual benefit statements to both active and deferred pension scheme members, ensuring clarity and compliance with statutory obligations
• Perform a key role in the preparation of comprehensive data sets (universal data extracts) for actuarial valuation
• Support other regulatory activity/projects where required, through the preparation and processing of data, acting as a key subject matter expert
• Serve as the primary liaison with scheme employers regarding data management, leading the resolution of complex data issues and the submission of monthly data files
• Maintain expert knowledge of pension scheme regulations and overarching pension legislation, ensuring all data processing activities are fully compliant
• Investigate and resolve complex data anomalies, leading efforts to prepare accurate administration across the business
• Process or check complex cases where required, ensuring the accuracy of pension calculations produced and the general quality of work is to a high standard with minimal issues arising through quality and checking processes
• Be proactive in responding to escalations/complaints, whilst also identifying and embedding ways for reduction in the number of complaints, data breaches and errors
• Support the Data Quality function where required, to investigate and correct data issues, with a key focus on root cause
• Deputise for Team Leader / Leads in their absence
• Safeguard information security, setting protocols for the handling of sensitive and confidential data in line with service guidelines and industry best practices
• Support and enhance overall service provision, undertaking additional responsibilities as appropriate to the principal level within the post
• Primary contact point for risk and audit management for data services

What we need from you:

• Outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills, with demonstrated ability to build effective relationships at all organisational levels, including senior leadership and external partners
• In-depth knowledge of pension administration operations, statutory requirements, and industry standards, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory changes to operational practice
• Extensive experience performing in end-to-end data operations
• Demonstrable experience contributing to data improvement projects
• Passionate about delivering a first-class member and employer experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a key focus on accurate and efficient working practices

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of the UPM system
• Relevant professional qualifications in pensions administration, data management, or business management are highly desirable
• Experience delivering training

Qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths and English at Grade C or above
• A recognised pension administration qualification (or working towards) would be desirable

Working with and upholding our values:

• Working together
• Committed to excellence
• Doing the right thing
• Forward thinking