Senior Pensions Administrator in Reading

At XPS Group we operate a hybrid/flexible working style. We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief. As part of our Disability Confident pledge we run the ‘Offer an interview’ scheme at XPS. If you have a disability and meet the ‘essential criteria’ described in the person specification for the role being applied for, you are guaranteed an interview.

Access to the Disability Confident scheme simply requires you to (1) Show you meet the essential criteria described in the person specification, and (2) In the Offer an Interview Scheme section on our application form tick the box for "do you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme?" If you are successful in your application you undertake pre‑employment checks which include: Right to Work confirmation, DBS Disclosure check, Qualification checks, Employment and/or educational references covering five years & Satisfactory credit check.

About XPS Group: XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About the Role: Our teams of pensions administrators provide services to a wide range of insurance and trust‑based pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings and hybrid schemes. We are currently seeking a Senior Pensions Administrator to join our team, to provide an effective and efficient pensions administration service to XPS Administration clients, whilst participating in achieving team objectives. This is a hybrid role with an office presence expected twice per week but will require more office time during the initial ‘settling in’ period.

Key Responsibilities:

• Training of other team members.
• Assisting less experienced team members.
• Checking and authorising other team members’ work.
• Meeting deadlines.
• Calculation and payment of scheme benefits in accordance with the Rules/Policy Documents.
• Maintenance of membership records and other documentation.
• Understanding and application of benefit structures, Trust Deed & Rules/Policy Documents, current pensions legislation, PSO and Disclosure requirements.
• Project work as directed by Team Leader or Manager.
• Liaison with Insurance client, Actuary, Consultants, Providers, Pension Payroll Members and third parties.
• Provision of technical information both verbally and in writing.
• Compliance with ISO and AAF accreditations and support towards insurers FCA requirements.
• Completing updates to the database to ensure that records are accurately maintained.
• Dealing confidently with member enquiries by phone, email, and letter.
• Providing general support to the Administration team/manager.
• Ensuring that work is prioritised correctly so that target dates are met.

Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.

Your Profile:

Essential:

• Previous experience within a similar role dealing with Insured arrangements schemes.
• Experience within the pension’s industry.
• Able to demonstrate ownership, responsibility, and accountability for self.
• Be organised, methodical and logical in approach to delegated responsibilities.
• Able to assist with developing a culture of high standards, excellent quality and customer responsiveness.
• Able to develop administrators and administrative processes.
• Be well organised and be a point of reference for knowledge.
• Able to plan and then be flexible with that plan.
• Be proactive, having drive and commitment.
• Able to communicate effectively.
• Has a can‑do attitude and takes pride in work.
• Pays attention to detail.
• Computer literate in the use of MS Office products, such as Excel and Word.

Qualifications:

• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification – minimum grade B/6 or equivalent.
• Ideally educated to A Level (or equivalent) stage, although those deemed qualified by experience will be considered.
• Studying for or a willingness to study for a relevant pension’s qualification e.g. CPC/QPA/DPC/RPC/APMI.

Desirable:

• Good decision maker, able to recognise the impact of decision, having good judgement.
• A problem solver, dealing with practical, people and political problems.
• Able to delegate effectively.
• Achieved some exam successes in professional qualifications such as PMI / QPA / RPC / DPC / DPA and actively working towards full qualification.

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 via the Apply Now option or contact recruitment@xpsplc.com for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Equal Opportunities 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 you satisfying 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.