Senior Pensions Administrator - Defined Contributions in Reading

About XPS Group

XPS Pensions Group is no ordinary company. We’ve earned numerous awards and accolades, making us an industry leader in Pensions Consultancy. As the largest pure pensions consultancy in the UK, we are a team of approximately 2000 employees spread across 15 locations nationwide. Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market, we pride ourselves on our ability to think and act differently, offering expert advice to over 1600 pension schemes and administering pensions for over 1,000,000 members.

Location: Reading
Grade: Consultant
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Hybrid
REQ003369

About The Team

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 range of pensions administration services include:

• Scheme administration
• Communication
• Scam identification
• Payroll services
• Pension scheme accounting
• De-risking projects
• Technical consultancy

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. Ultimately, pension schemes are there for their members; we place just as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Performing various DC administration tasks e.g. handling of leavers, retirements, transfers and deaths, this includes:
• Adhering to best practice procedures in all aspects of pensions administration related tasks as defined by the Company.
• Updating relevant pension administration databases and systems.
• Logging and scanning post/correspondence.
• Receiving and handling internal and external telephone queries.
• Running automated systems calculations.
• Performing manual benefits calculations.
• Producing ad-hoc letters to ‘draft standards’ using our electronic document management system in response to customer queries or able to complete standard tasks to ‘final letter standards’.
• Monitoring ongoing procedural developments and implementing changes to procedures where required.
• Returning original documentation and certificates to customers.
• Amending of, and with experience developing into checking non-financial work e.g. change of address.
• Developing a basic knowledge and awareness of their clients and associated schemes.
• Assisting the team with project related work.
• Informal training and mentoring of more junior members of the team.
• Working closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company in order to provide a total service to our clients.
• Ensuring the accurate updating of time recording system (OpenAir) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities and meeting required utilisation targets.
• Assisting in non-client related work such as technical committees, training and events.
• 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:

• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Contributions (DC) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in and transfers out.
• This role is likely to appeal to individuals with a minimum of 2 years’ experience although not exclusive as all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
• Able to demonstrate a basic awareness and/or knowledge of pensions industry.
• Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work related experience or academic achievements.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work in advance of deadlines and prioritising multiple tasks.
• Able to see projects/tasks through to completion within given timescales.
• Willingness to learn.
• Able to follow instructions, procedures, policies and assimilate information quickly in a consistent manner.
• Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
• Enthusiastic, positive and flexible approach to work.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is required in order to perform their duties both numerical and written.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• An active listener and able to follow through on the instructions given.
• Able to work as part of a multi-disciplined team.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Able to recognise the need for a customer focused approach to their delivery both in terms of quality and exceeding customer expectations.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade C/5.

Desirable

• Willingness to study for a relevant pensions qualification e.g. CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI.
• Demonstrates a commitment to progressing a pensions administration career.
• A self-motivated approach to professional and personal development.
• Flexible approach to work pressures.
• Developing technical pensions knowledge i.e. different pensions provisions available – DB/DC and CARE.
• Continues to seek ways of improving processes and procedures.
• Forming successful professional relationships both internally and externally.

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 below or contact recruitment@xpsgroup.com. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

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 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.