At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver the University’s pension strategy while enhancing member engagement.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked institution known for research excellence and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, excellent pension schemes, and a positive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on colleagues' retirement planning in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Good understanding of pension schemes and experience with at least one University pension scheme required.
- Other info: Open to applications from the UK and worldwide; relocation assistance available.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Northumbria University is seeking a Pensions Manager to help shape and deliver the University's pension strategy. In this pivotal role you will enhance member engagement and ensure regulatory excellence across a range of schemes - including Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS), Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and University and Colleges Retirement Savings Scheme (UCRSS).
You will work closely with the Payroll team (who handle day to day pension administration), HR Management and Finance teams, and Pension Scheme providers and trustees. You will be the go-to expert, advising on pension matters, helping colleagues make informed decisions to get the most from their pension benefits.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in the role you will have a good understanding of both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes, and experience of at least one of the University pension schemes. You will combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking, exceptional communication and digital literacy, and will be motivated by the opportunities this new role offers to influence pension strategy, making a real difference to colleagues as they prepare for retirement.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact louise.johnson@northumbria.ac.uk. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
We welcome applications from the UK and across the world. Visit our web pages for details about Relocation Assistance.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.
With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation with flexibility in hours and location. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy. Explore "Our Exceptional People, Our Values and Behaviours" page to learn more about our commitments and see our Privacy Policy for further details.
Pensions Manager employer: Northumbria University
Contact Detail:
Northumbria University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific pension schemes mentioned in the job description, such as TPS, LGPS, USS, and UCRSS. Understanding the nuances of these schemes will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in pension management or related fields. Engaging with them can provide you with insights into the current trends and challenges in the industry, which you can reference in conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would enhance member engagement within the pension schemes. Think of innovative strategies or tools that could be implemented to improve communication and support for members, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to Louise Johnson via email for an informal discussion about the role. This can give you a clearer understanding of the expectations and allow you to express your enthusiasm directly, making a positive impression before you even apply.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Pensions Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially regarding pension schemes like TPS, LGPS, USS, and UCRSS.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in pension management and your understanding of both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role. Mention how you can contribute to enhancing member engagement and ensuring regulatory excellence.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires exceptional communication skills, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex information clearly. Provide examples of how you've successfully advised colleagues or stakeholders in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria University
✨Understand the Pension Schemes
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the different pension schemes mentioned in the job description, such as TPS, LGPS, USS, and UCRSS. Being able to discuss these schemes confidently will demonstrate your expertise and show that you're prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Pensions Manager, you'll need to communicate complex information clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated pension matters to colleagues or stakeholders in the past, highlighting your ability to make information accessible.
✨Highlight Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to or developed pension strategies in previous roles. Think about specific instances where your strategic thinking made a positive impact on pension engagement or compliance.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Demonstrate your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about the current challenges they face with their pension strategy or how they measure success in member engagement. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.