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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage pensions administration tasks and provide excellent customer service.
- Company: Join XPS Group, a leading pensions consultancy with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, flexible holidays, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pensions industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in pensions administration and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contractual hours: 36.25
Basis: Full time
Job category/type: XPS Administration
Date posted: 26/01/2026
Job reference: REQ003369
Location: Reading
Grade: Consultant
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Hybrid
About XPS Group
XPS Pensions Group is no ordinary company. We’ve earned numerous awards and accolades, making us an industry leader in Pensions Consultancy. As the largest pure pensions consultancy in the UK, we are a team of approximately 2000 employees spread across 15 locations nationwide. Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market, we pride ourselves on our ability to think and act differently, offering expert advice to over 1600 pension schemes and administering pensions for over 1,000,000 members.
About The Team
Our teams of pension administrators provide services to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings, and hybrid schemes. Our range of pensions administration services include:
- Scheme administration
- Communication
- Scam identification
- Payroll services
- Pension scheme accounting
- De-risking projects
- Technical consultancy
Our administrative approach is scheme-based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client’s service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves. Ultimately, pension schemes are there for their members; we place just as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.
Key Responsibilities
- Performing various DC administration tasks such as handling leavers, retirements, transfers and deaths.
- Adhering to best practice procedures in all aspects of pensions administration as defined by the Company.
- Updating relevant pension administration databases and systems.
- Logging and scanning post/correspondence.
- Receiving and handling internal and external telephone queries.
- Running automated systems calculations.
- Performing manual benefits calculations.
- Producing ad-hoc letters to draft standards using our electronic document management system in response to customer queries or completing standard tasks to final letter standards.
- Monitoring ongoing procedural developments and implementing changes to procedures where required.
- Returning original documentation and certificates to customers.
- Amending of, and with experience developing into checking non-financial work (e.g., change of address).
- Developing a basic knowledge and awareness of their clients and associated schemes.
- Assisting the team with project-related work.
- Informal training and mentoring of more junior team members.
- Working closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company to provide a total service to clients (e.g., Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Support).
- Ensuring the accurate updating of the OpenAir time recording system for chargeable and non-chargeable activities and meeting utilisation targets.
- Assisting in non-client related work such as technical committees, training and events.
- Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time undertake other activities of a similar nature within their capabilities.
Your Profile
Essential
- Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Contributions (DC) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in and transfers out. The role is likely to appeal to individuals with a minimum of 2 years experience, though all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
- Able to demonstrate a basic awareness and/or knowledge of pensions industry.
- Able to demonstrate numerical aptitude evidenced by work-related experience or academic achievements.
- IT proficiency, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to work ahead of deadlines and prioritise multiple tasks.
- Able to see projects/tasks through to completion within given timescales.
- Willingness to learn.
- Able to follow instructions, procedures, policies and assimilate information quickly in a consistent manner.
- Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
- Enthusiastic, positive and flexible approach to work.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- High accuracy and attention to detail in numerical and written work.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Active listener and able to follow through on instructions given.
- Able to work as part of a multi-disciplined team.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Able to recognise the need for a customer-focused approach to delivery, focusing on quality and exceeding expectations.
Qualifications
- Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard.
- Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade C/5.
Desirable
- Willingness to study for a relevant pensions qualification (e.g., CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI).
- Demonstrates a commitment to progressing a pensions administration career.
- A self-motivated approach to professional and personal development.
- Flexible approach to work pressures.
- Developing technical pensions knowledge (DB/DC and CARE).
- Continues to seek ways of improving processes and procedures.
- Forming successful professional relationships both internally and externally.
What We Offer
Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit applications below or contact. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
Equal Opportunity Statement
XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.
Eligibility
Any employment offer made will be conditional upon DBS Disclosure checks, employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.
Who Are We
To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com
Senior Pensions Administrator - Defined Contributions in Reading employer: Punter Southall
Contact Detail:
Punter Southall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pensions Administrator - Defined Contributions in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pensions industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching XPS Group and understanding our values and services. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in what we do, so come armed with questions that show you’ve done your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or family member to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your experience in pensions administration and boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pensions Administrator - Defined Contributions in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Pensions Administrator role. Highlight your experience with Defined Contributions and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about pensions administration and how your background makes you a great fit for XPS Group. Keep it engaging and personal, so we can get to know you better.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: In the world of pensions, accuracy is key. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors. This shows us that you take pride in your work and understand the importance of precision in this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Punter Southall
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Defined Contributions schemes. Be ready to discuss your previous experience with leavers, retirements, and transfers. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the terminology but can also apply it practically.
✨Show Off Your IT Skills
Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, be prepared to demonstrate your skills. You might even want to mention specific examples where you've used these tools effectively in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as handling a complex query or managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Practising your responses will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and customer-focused approach during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
