At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and support the administration of pension schemes while building strong relationships.
- Company: Join Spence & Partners, an award-winning firm in the pensions industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, career development, and support for professional qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment with diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in pensions administration and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and mentorship in a supportive culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Spence & Partners
Spence & Partners is an award-winning, privately owned UK firm of actuaries, pension consultants, trustees and pension administration specialists. Established in 2000, we support clients across the UK and Ireland and are part of an integrated group that includes Dalriada Trustees Limited. We are continuing to grow our pensions administration team and are now recruiting for Pensions Administrator, Senior Pensions Administrator and Principal Pensions Administrator roles. We are happy to consider candidates at various stages of their pensions career.
We have a growing portfolio of clients due to our excellent reputation within the industry and are seeking to extend our successful team. We are looking for candidates who are ambitious and enjoy working with people. You should thrive on solving complex problems and be interested in the financial services/pensions industry and areas affecting it. You will be well organised and proactive, calm under pressure and can communicate effectively (written and verbal). You will enjoy working in a challenging environment in which you can develop both personally and professionally in an award-winning company. You will be a conscientious individual with exceptional attention to detail. You will have the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally and work to demanding deadlines and targets.
At Spence, you’ll find a collaborative, supportive environment where people are trusted, empowered and encouraged to take ownership of their work while developing long-term, fulfilling careers.
The Role
Depending on your experience and level, you will support and manage the administration of Defined Benefit (DB) (and some Defined Contribution) pension schemes, acting as a key point of contact for members, trustees, advisers and other third parties. Across all levels, our administrators work on a wide variety of interesting and complex exercises, including scheme wind-ups, benefit calculations, forensic research and regulatory-led appointments, alongside delivering a consistently high standard of member service.
About You
You will enjoy working in a challenging environment in which you can develop both personally and professionally in an award-winning company. You will be a conscientious individual with exceptional attention to detail. You will have the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally and work to demanding deadlines and targets.
Responsibilities & Criteria
- Pensions Administrator: Ideal for experienced administrators looking to continue developing their technical knowledge and client exposure. You will:
- Manage day-to-day administration of DB pension schemes
- Be a key contact for members, responding to queries by phone and in writing
- Calculate pension benefits accurately and on time
- Work proactively to meet service levels and deadlines
- Build strong internal and external relationships
Minimum experience: Around 3+ years’ DB pensions administration experience
- Senior Pensions Administrator: Suitable for administrators with strong technical capability who can manage complexity and support others. You will:
- Manage a portfolio of pension schemes autonomously
- Handle more complex cases and calculations
- Mentor and peer-review the work of junior colleagues
- Liaise confidently with trustees, advisers and third parties
- Support scheme-wide projects and regulatory exercises
Minimum experience: Around 5+ years’ DB pensions administration experience
- Principal Pensions Administrator: A senior, technically authoritative role for experienced DB specialists. You will:
- Act as lead contact and scheme owner for key DB schemes
- Authorise and oversee the most complex technical cases
- Attend and contribute to trustee meetings and discussions
- Lead major scheme projects such as GMP equalisation, buy-ins, buyouts and wind-ups
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring and guidance across the team
- Support business development and the growth of trusted client relationships
Minimum experience: 8+ years’ DB pensions administration experience, including trustee-facing responsibility.
What We’re Looking For (Across All Levels)
- Strong knowledge of Defined Benefit pensions and UK pensions legislation
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive, organised approach with strong attention to detail
- Ability to build trusted relationships with members, colleagues and clients
- Confidence working in a fast-paced, professional environment
Desirable (Depending on Level)
- GMP reconciliation and/or equalisation experience
- PMI qualification (or working towards)
- Experience preparing trustee reports or attending meetings
- Involvement in project work or process improvement
Why Join Spence?
- Exposure to a diverse and interesting portfolio of schemes
- Supportive culture focused on ownership, growth and collaboration
- Clear career pathways and development opportunities
- Hybrid and UK-wide working options
- The chance to work with experienced professionals across the pensions industry
- Support for professional qualifications
Circumstances
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week with additional hours as and when required. Location: Hybrid - Belfast, Manchester, or Glasgow. All roles are subject to a six-month probation period. Successful candidates will be required to complete relevant pre-employment checks. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Applying with a disability or long-term health condition? As part of our belief that we benefit from the differences among us, we are committed to increasing the representation of disabled colleagues and want to remove any barriers or challenges that get in the way of candidates with a disability or long-term health condition from applying to work with us. As part of this commitment, we guarantee to automatically interview anyone with a disability who meets the minimum criteria. If there is support or an adjustment that we can provide to enable you to be at your best during the recruitment and selection process, we encourage you to advise us in good time so that we may make suitable arrangements. We understand that being open with us may feel uncomfortable so please only share with us the information that you are comfortable to share, and rest assured that we will use this only to provide you with the right support. Any information you give us will be treated completely confidentially. To discuss this further please call 028 9041 2000 and ask to speak to a member of the People team.
Pensions Administrators (All Levels) in Belfast employer: Spence & Partners Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Spence & Partners Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Administrators (All Levels) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the pensions industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Spence & Partners and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around DB pensions and client relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled complex issues in pensions administration. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a challenging environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our award-winning team at Spence.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Administrators (All Levels) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pensions Administrator role. Highlight your relevant experience in DB pensions administration and showcase how your skills align with what we're looking for at Spence & Partners.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, ensure your written application reflects your ability to convey information clearly. Use concise language and structure your application well to demonstrate your attention to detail.
Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities: We love candidates who thrive on solving complex problems! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in the pensions or financial services sector.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Spence & Partners!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spence & Partners Ltd.
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Defined Benefit pensions and UK pensions legislation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the complexities involved.
✨Prepare for Common Scenarios
Think about the types of cases you might handle, such as scheme wind-ups or benefit calculations. Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail, as these are crucial in this field.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex pension concepts, so being able to simplify these for different audiences will set you apart.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Spence & Partners values collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked well in teams before. Highlight any mentoring or leadership experiences, as they’ll want to see that you can build strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike.