Business Development Executive - Pensions

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.

XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential. Our Pensions Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for a Business Development Executive to join our vibrant Reading office with hybrid working.

This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar role where they have gained a thorough knowledge of the pensions administration industry. A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.

Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work - Everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It’s about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued.

The Team: Our award-winning pensions administration business puts scheme members at the heart of everything we do. Our services include scheme administration, first-time outsourcing, member communications and scam protection.

The Role: As a Business Development Executive with XPS you will:

• Support the Admin New Business Team in the 'sales/new business' lifecycle across the private and public sectors; from the identification stages, fact-finding, developing and executing the sales strategy, attending prospect meetings and understanding clients' needs ensuring XPS Admin is able to provide effective solutions.
• Work closely with the Central Bid Team to ensure materials are formatted correctly, the sales process is managed effectively, and deadlines are adhered to.
• Work closely with the ‘admin owner’ of a proposal to ensure that it is of the best quality. This includes making sure all tender questions are sufficiently answered and proof-reading documents before submission.
• Help develop creative documents, pitches and propositions.
• Develop the wider skills of XPS Admin employees in 'new business pitches' to ensure increased conversion from 'opportunities' to 'sales'.
• Proactively follow up leads generated from within XPS Admin and the wider Group.
• Produce to agreed timescales, all reports required by the Admin New Business Team.
• Prepare the first draft of pricing for tenders for review by the Admin New Business Team.
• Work with the marketing team to promote XPS Admin’s services with effective use of social media, PR networking, technical briefings, seminars etc.

Your profile:

Essential Criteria:

• Able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the pensions administration industry.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Able to demonstrate resilience and the ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise work and effectively manage your own workload whilst still working as part of a team.
• Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to work well with a variety of people at all levels, including senior executives within the business.
• Excellent attention to detail in written material.
• A high degree of professional integrity.
• Able to demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous track record gained in a comparable sales and business development role would be advantageous.
• Previous experience of delivering presentations in client facing situations is of distinct advantage.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
• Flexible Bank holidays
• Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work
• Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
• XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings)
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
• Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events

What next: If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you.