Operations Manager Pensions Administration in Bristol

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 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 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.

Your role will be to assist the Regional Operations Manager in the leadership and direction of the Pension Administration Team in our Bristol office, preferably on site. The Operations Manager will provide full time management of the teams, with a particular focus on aspects such as commercial, people, client and process development. For the right individual some client management and fee earning work will also be involved, but the priority of the role is the ongoing delivery of services, the development of the capabilities of those reporting to you, and of the systems, procedures, and compliance framework used by the company as a whole.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to a Regional Operations Manager and being a key member of his/her management team, you will be actively involved in the management and delivery of our pension administration services across the Bristol office and have an opportunity to support on projects which may impact the wider Pension Administration business. Specific objectives are to seek to optimise the balance between three overall aims:

• Quality - delivering an industry leading quality service
• Profit - running an efficient and profitable operation
• Long term sustainability – investing in our clients, people and systems

In pursuit of these aims, your objectives would be to assist your Regional Operations Manager to:

• Contribute to maintaining the high-quality standards required within the company and seek continually to enhance the quality long term sustainability of the services provided to our clients across the business.
• Manage and continually develop the pension’s administration capability by demonstrating positive leadership skills and actively mentoring Administration Managers and their Deputies when required.
• Actively contribute to the attraction, training and retention of employees by recruiting appropriately; and motivating, rewarding and developing existing employees. Manage HR issues and coordinate administration resources.
• Develop the commercial aspects of the function, involving Administration Managers in tendering and client facing work, billing effectively for value added to clients, and ensure that profit is delivered.
• Participate in ongoing detailed analysis of the efficiency of our systems and processes. This will include working collaboratively with other areas of the Pension Administration business such as the Projects Team.
• Assist on tendering processes, creating responses to tenders and leading the administration aspects of full service tenders.
• Conduct client assignments such as trustee secretarial appointments, project work, client relationship management etc.
• Build strong and productive relationships with senior actuaries across the business, in all other offices.
• Assist on strategic business change and effectively manage the implementation of new practices and processes.
• Contribute to business wide process and systems change. 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.

Essential Your Profile
Already an experienced and successful pension professional, you will have a strong track record in managing, developing and delivering pensions administration services. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a very thorough knowledge of technical pension administration activities and the ability to apply this knowledge to any scheme. Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Benefits (DB) & Defined Contributions (DC) schemes is required. Proven experience in all areas of the new business lifecycle including formulating and assisting in the writing of proposals, preparing and delivering client pitches and subsequent client negotiations. Experience of operating within and contributing to a compliant framework, and a strong understanding of quality standards. Previous line management experience is essential, including appraisal process, HR issue management, performance management and recruitment related activities. IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint. Proven leadership proficiency – both mentoring and motivating. Interpersonal and communication skills required to inspire, motivate, lead and manage a diverse team of professionals from trainee to senior consultant levels. Resilience and the ability to work under pressure. Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Being a good and enthusiastic team player. A high degree of organisation with the ability to plan and prioritise workloads. A strong result oriented commercial and professional focus. Confidence in dealing at board room level and have a creative and forward-thinking approach. An ability to recognise the need for a customer focused approach to their service delivery both in terms of quality and exceeding customer expectations.

Qualifications
Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard. Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification. Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade B. APMI (or applicants deemed ‘qualified by experience’ would be considered).

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 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.