At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to enhance pension administration processes and drive efficiency.
- Company: XPS Group, a leading UK consultancy in pensions and insurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth and volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving client services and embracing digital transformation.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of pension administration and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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.
Location: Reading
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Consultant
Hybrid Work: Yes
Reference: REQ003635
About the Role
This is a Reading based team and therefore occasional visits to Reading office will be required. The Continuous Improvement Team supports the administration business by seeking ways to standardise and improve processes to drive efficiency. Our goal is to remove obstacles that stand in the way of providing excellent service to our clients, and to accelerate member self-service and digitisation. This role has been created as a result of additional responsibilities transferring into the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Spend time with Pensions Administration and Payroll team members to understand and document current processes and future needs, using standard templates. This will be a combination of in person in the office or via Teams. You may also work directly with clients to help them articulate their requirements.
- Carry out analysis of those requirements against the standard processes used in the XPS suite of products (Aurora, Alfresco PaaS, Pay, MyPension) and create statement of needs, in conjunction with the business SME.
- Work with the Development team and SMEs to build solutions, based on statement of needs.
- Test changes to the systems and processes to ensure they work for all users, including regression testing.
- Maintain robust records of testing to satisfy audit requirements.
- Assist with the roll-out of new system features and processes to end users. This may involve face-to-face training in offices or via Teams.
- You will also be involved in creating or updating process notes and recording short 'how-to' videos for use on the intranet.
- Manage the letter and reporting suite in Aurora, working with other business areas to agree and test updates before rolling out to teams.
- Generate ideas for improvements to systems and processes, and identify new providers to support new service requirements.
Essential
- Knowledge of pension administration for DB, DC, hybrid schemes. Master Trust and/or Payroll experience would also be an advantage.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: build rapport quickly and work with members of the Admin teams at all levels across the business.
- A proactive approach to change and a desire to build a deep understanding of how the XPS systems and processes operate.
- Flexibility - this is a varied role, and you will be asked to work on a number of different projects concurrently, with frequent deadlines.
- Confident working on own initiative, yet comfortable operating within a supportive team environment.
- Proven problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyse issues, identify root causes and develop practical solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with ability to build trust and influence.
- Confident in presenting information clearly and engagingly to a range of audiences.
Desirable
- Experience in continuous improvement is an advantage (e.g., exposure to continuous improvement tools, problem‑solving, root‑cause thinking, or small‑scope improvements). Not essential, as training will be provided.
- Awareness of digital engagement platforms would be beneficial.
- Experience of testing – systems, processes or checking new ways of working – would be beneficial.
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.
Equal Opportunity 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 will be conditional upon DBS Disclosure checks, employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.
Pensions Administration - Continuous Improvement Analyst in Reading employer: XPS Group
XPS Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a supportive work culture in Reading. With a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, employees are encouraged to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying opportunities for professional development and work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements. The company also promotes community involvement with paid volunteer days, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Administration - Continuous Improvement Analyst in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at XPS Group on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role in the Continuous Improvement Team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your knowledge of pension administration. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems mentioned in the job description, like Aurora and Alfresco PaaS, so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've identified issues and implemented improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the XPS Group team.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Administration - Continuous Improvement Analyst in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Continuous Improvement Analyst role. Highlight any experience you have in pensions administration or continuous improvement, as this will show us you're a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in the role and how your background aligns with our goals at XPS Group. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. We love candidates who can think critically and come up with practical solutions, so don't hold back on sharing your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at XPS Group
✨Know Your Pensions Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of pension administration, especially for DB, DC, and hybrid schemes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the industry.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you identified root causes and implemented practical solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to continuous improvement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice how you'll build rapport with different team members and clients. Be ready to discuss how you would manage relationships and influence stakeholders effectively, as this is key in a collaborative environment like XPS Group.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Change
Since this role involves a lot of change and flexibility, think about times when you've adapted to new processes or systems. Share your experiences with continuous improvement tools and how you've contributed to enhancing efficiency in past projects.