Deputy Administration Manager (Pensions)

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.

Location: Birmingham

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Grade: Consultant

Hybrid working arrangement available.

About The Role

We are currently seeking a Deputy Administration Manager to join our team. Our 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 clarity of focus each scheme deserves. Ultimately, we place just as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the management of annual and ad‐hoc projects for all schemes on the team such as renewals, benefit statements, pension increases, life styling, trustees' reports and accounts. Ensure projects are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
• Review the client work of other less experienced pension administrator team members.
• Monitor accuracy, performance and SLAs for the team, including activity and client performances, and take action to ensure targets are met.
• Liaise with Administration Managers regarding appraisals and regular catch‐up meetings. Conduct some appraisals and catch‐up meetings including regular mentoring meetings with staff on probation.
• Ensure the accurate update of time recording system for both chargeable and non‐chargeable activities.
• Maintain a client‐focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with clients.
• Prepare, check and issue administration bills.
• Update internal change control and other schedules and spreadsheets as required.
• Ensure breaches, errors and complaint logs are promptly completed and regularly reviewed.
• Deputise at Administration Manager meetings when necessary.
• Manage day‐to‐day activities of staff to ensure efficient and effective delivery of all work. Hold regular workflow meetings with senior team members (where needed) to manage progress and resolve any issues.

Essential (Your Profile)

• Able to demonstrate an expert knowledge of pensions administration activities and can apply this knowledge to any scheme.
• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Benefit (DB) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in, transfers out and reporting.
• Experience of current pensions legislation and frameworks is essential, especially the regulatory requirements of the various Pensions and Finance Acts which impact on pensions administration.
• Previous supervisory of workflow management experience is required – ideally including performance monitoring, appraisals, recruitment etc.
• IT proficient: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Effective management skills including awareness of management processes and motivation of staff.
• Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work‐related experience or academic achievements.

Desirable

• Third party pensions administration experience preferred, although strong all‐round experience within an in‐house pensions department which is not purely process driven will be considered.
• Previous presentational experience is desirable to assist with prospect pitches and trustee meetings.
• Sound commercial and business awareness.

Qualifications

• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification – minimum grade B/6.
• Progression within a relevant pensions' qualification e.g. CPC/QPA/DPC/RPC/APMI is desirable.

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.

Who Are We

To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com