Pensions Technical Specialist in Sheffield, Yorkshire

We have an exciting opportunity to join our friendly and forward-looking Technical Support & Training 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: As our Pensions Technical Specialist, you'll be responsible for providing a technical support service to the various service areas within SYPA. You'll keep abreast of all legal developments in the Local Government Pension Scheme and the wider pensions, ensuring that appropriate technical guidance and support is provided to the internal SYPA transactional teams who are responsible for processing individual case work. A significant part of the role will involve taking responsibility for preparing and delivering internal training to the case work teams on the whole spectrum of benefit calculations (ranging from routine early leavers to more complex Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) assessments at retirement). As part of this, you'll develop and maintain a range of reference materials, such as training manuals and online reference guides, ensuring that the operational teams are able to access the guidance they need to complete their responsibilities. You'll also assist with innovative ways of delivering support online, such as through webinars and training videos. You'll work closely with the Complaints Resolution Analyst and Data Analyst, to assist in identifying training and data issues and you'll support the Systems team during testing and implementation of major changes which impact on the pensions administration system (including system upgrades and modular changes), providing the appropriate guidance to ensure they can promote compliance with the relevant pensions legislation.

What you'll be able to offer: We're seeking a knowledgeable and experienced pensions professional with extensive technical expertise in Defined Benefit pension schemes and associated legislation. You'll have experience interpreting complex pensions guidance and delivering technical training in a clear and engaging way, ensuring information is understood by a wide range of audiences. You'll be confident explaining complex concepts to non-specialists, possess excellent presentation skills and have experience developing training and support materials for colleagues. You'll have practical experience processing a range of individual pension benefit calculations using a dedicated pensions administration system and you'll be able to manage multiple projects through to successful completion. Strong analytical, organisational and administrative skills are essential, together with excellent IT skills and the ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and effective interpersonal skills are vital, along with the ability to build positive working relationships with customers, adapting your communication style to suit different situations. Educated to A Level standard or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and experience, you'll hold a professional business qualification at NVQ Level 4, or have equivalent knowledge of relevant business disciplines, together with a willingness to work towards an appropriate professional qualification if required.

What's in it for you: We have a 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. We have 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. We offer a range of wellbeing initiatives including regular webinars on health & wellbeing, fresh fruit, tea, coffee, and employer provided flu vaccination vouchers each year. We also organise regular social and charity events. We also offer 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 will be shortlisting throughout the duration of the campaign therefore early applications are encouraged.