At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a friendly team managing a £10 billion pension fund and support system improvements.
- Company: Award-winning local authority with a unique public sector ethos.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: No prior pension experience needed; comprehensive training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a progressive environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 2/3 qualification or equivalent; office admin experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 26824 - 26824 £ per year.
Salary starting at £26,824 per annum, rising up to £32,061 per annum (three step progression scheme)
Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: 31st July 2026
Interview Date: Week commencing 3rd/10th August
We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and forward-looking Systems Team in this well-respected, award-winning organisation managing a £10 billion pension fund.
Who we are:
We are both a local authority and a pension fund and are unique within the Local Government Pension Scheme as the only democratically accountable single purpose pension organisation in the UK. As a local government body, we have a public sector ethos and place a great deal of importance on our organisational Values and Behaviours which are all about being honest and accountable, professional, progressive, and empowering. We have a culture that encourages work-life balance, and we offer flexible working hours. Our newly refurbished Barnsley office provides a state-of-the-art working environment with free on-site parking and is located within 10 minutes walk of both the train and bus stations, making us easily accessible.
What you'll be doing:
- You’ll join our small, friendly and progressive Pension Systems Team who are responsible for the maintenance and progression of the current Pensions Administration System, delivering a high-quality support service to the main customer-facing administration teams across SYPA.
- You’ll support project work to assist the Systems Team in implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Alongside this, you’ll help to maintain system support and upgrades, ensure the integrity of data, contributing to testing new releases.
- You’ll respond to and resolve routine system issues reported through the Internal Helpdesk system, escalating more complex queries as appropriate, including assisting with back-office query resolution relating to case processing.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Basic working knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) and will assist in producing or amending standard reporting queries under guidance, as well as identifying and reporting errors that can be resolved using established SQL scripts.
- Level 2/3 qualification or equivalent; or able to evidence ability at an equivalent level.
- Office administration experience, confident handling administrative procedures.
- Working knowledge of relevant systems, equipment, processes and procedures.
- Competent in a range of IT tools.
- Able to work with others to achieve objectives and provide excellent customer service.
- Able to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.
- Accuracy and ability to prioritise and organise own workload.
- Able to apply health and safety, equality and diversity, and other SYPA policies and procedures.
You do not need to have previous experience of working in pensions. You’ll be provided with a well-planned induction and training programme. You will need to be highly motivated, keen to learn and have a genuine interest in this type of work. We are also very keen to hear from applicants who do have some previous pension experience (especially LGPS); this would potentially enable you to be appointed above the starting salary shown above.
What's in it for you:
- Generous annual leave policy that offers between 28 days and 36 days annual leave depending on length of service, plus all statutory bank holidays and you can accrue and take up to 13 extra days leave per year by utilising Flexitime.
- Several work-life balance policies including a Flexible Working Hours policy (Flexitime) which allows you to work your contracted hours to suit both you and the team that you are working in.
- You’ll automatically be enrolled into the LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme) which provides a salary-related pension, to which the employer contributes.
- A range of wellbeing initiatives including regular webinars on health & wellbeing, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and employer provided flu vaccination vouchers each year.
- Regular social and charity events.
- A 24/7 confidential helpline, access to workplace counselling and Occupational Health.
- Access to a range of benefits and discounts through the Wider Wallet scheme.
- Centrally located modern office for public transport links and staff on-site parking available.
We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date. We will be shortlisting throughout the duration of the campaign therefore early applications are encouraged.
Contact Details:
South Yorkshire Pensions Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pension Systems Officer in Ardsley
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like South Yorkshire Pensions Authority and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Pension Systems Officer in Ardsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for South Yorkshire Pensions Authority and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Pensions Authority
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South Yorkshire Pensions Authority.