Apprentice Actuarial Analyst in Reading

Location: Reading

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Grade: Associate

Hybrid

This role will be based in one of the following offices: Birmingham, Leeds or Reading - however, flexible working arrangements will be considered and can be discussed at interview. You will be required to attend the office five days a week initially as part of our onboarding and training programme, with this gradually reducing to a minimum of two days a week in line with our flexible working policy.

Please note: Successful candidates who pass the initial application stage will be invited to attend an assessment centre, which will be held in person in either our Leeds or Reading offices. Assessment centres are scheduled for the week commencing 23rd March 2026.

About XPS Group

XPS Group 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 of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. Additionally, we offer wide-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 at XPS, and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued - because they are.

About The Role

XPS Group is growing, and we are now looking to recruit multiple Apprentice Actuarial Analysts to join our team in September 2026. We are 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 Advisory business continues to grow, and we are now looking for a number of apprentices to join our Pensions Technical Team. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone who is technically minded.

Key Responsibilities

• You will be joining our Pensions Technical Team, which exists to provide support to our wider Actuarial Team, focusing on undertaking technical calculations required for a wide range of actuarial work.
• You will be supported by on-the-job training, resulting in you developing your knowledge and abilities quickly.
• In addition, we will support you through the Level 4 Actuarial Technician Apprenticeship in partnership with BPP, a leading global education provider. This includes spending 20% of your working hours on a formal programme of off-the-job-training.
• Assisting the team in meeting their objectives, which include, but are not limited to:

• Data analysis and manipulation.
• Running and understanding our calculation software.
• Calculating the total value of pension schemes’ benefits for various purposes.
• Processing a wide variety of individual pension scheme member calculations.
• Drafting written advice to clients following our various standards.
• Regular liaising and communicating within the team and with other departments at XPS, in addition to the opportunity to work alongside some of our other specialist teams.

We are very ambitious and want to continue our strong growth. As part of this, we are committed to developing market-leading tools and approaches for our clients. For example, you will have the opportunity to work with our online funding software ‘Radar,’ which has been awarded Actuarial Software of the Year for the last two years. The Pensions Technical team is also responsible for creating and maintaining standard calculation tools that are used throughout the wider actuarial business.

Your Profile

This is an entry-level role suitable for individuals who have recently completed A-Levels or equivalent qualifications, or for those looking to transition into a new career path. You will bring an analytical mindset, strong numerical skills, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. You will recognise the importance of building strong working relationships with internal teams and will demonstrate high levels of accuracy and excellent attention to detail. We are looking for someone who is comfortable sharing their ideas and can communicate them clearly, helping to generate the insights that support our objectives.

We are committed to helping you reach your potential. By joining the Pensions Technical Team at XPS, you will work on a wide variety of projects and have access to extensive opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

In line with the eligibility criteria for the apprenticeship, we require candidates to have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) a minimum of grade B at A-Level (or an equivalent qualification) in Maths.

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.