Senior Pensions Administrator - Scheme Events

Senior Pensions Administrator – Scheme Events

XPS Group – Middlesbrough, England, United Kingdom

Location: Middlesbrough
Grade: Consultant
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Reference: REQ003251

About XPS Group

As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. 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.

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. We handle scheme administration, communication, scam identification, payroll services, pension scheme accounting, de‑risking projects and technical consultancy. One team is responsible for every aspect of each client’s service, enabling strong relationships and focused support for each scheme.

Key Responsibilities

• Annual pensions increase exercises for supported schemes
• Production of annual benefit statements, Pension Savings Statements and SMPI statements (as required)
• Production of wake‑up communications to members approaching NRA or over NRA
• Create mail‑merges, arrange dispatch/uploading of statements and letters to member portal
• Complete Scheme Returns; liaise with actuarial and investment colleagues and clients
• Complete Annual Event reports and quarterly AFTs – arrange payment of tax
• GMPe testing of calculations / GMPr etc.
• Production of quarterly administration/stewardship reports
• Tracing (annual/quarterly/monthly) – support the admin teams and work with the Tracing team
• Assist production of benefit specifications for buy‑in/buy‑out work
• Bespoke project work as directed by Team Leader/Manager
• Complex calculations, checking and authorising cases – support admin on some individual cases
• Checking and authorising other team members’ work
• Understanding and application of benefit structures, Trust Deed & Rules and current pensions legislation (PSO, Disclosure)
• Liaison with client, scheme actuary, consultants, providers, pension payroll members and third parties
• Provision of technical information verbally and in writing
• Compliance with ISO and AAF accreditations
• Update the database to ensure accurate records – data cleansing
• Deal confidently with member enquiries by phone, email and letter (where required)
• Provide general support to the Administration team/manager
• Prioritise work to meet target dates
• Train and assist less experienced team members where required
• Handle other activities of a similar nature as needed

Your Profile – Essential

• Previous experience in a similar role dealing with DB schemes
• Experience within the pensions industry
• Highly proficient in Excel – strong abilities in creating, manipulating and analysing spreadsheets
• Accountable, responsible and organised – methodical and logical approach to delegated responsibilities
• Commitment to high standards, excellent quality and customer responsiveness
• Ability to develop administrators and administrative processes
• Can be a point of reference for knowledge
• Plan effectively and adapt flexibly
• Proactive with drive and commitment
• Effective communication skills
• Can‑do attitude, pride in work and attention to detail

Desirable

• Good decision maker – recognise impact of decisions, good judgement
• Problem solver – deal with practical, people and political problems
• Able to delegate effectively
• Achieved professional exam successes (e.g., PMI / QPA / RPC / DPC / DPA) and actively working toward full qualification

What We Offer

Competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, 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, digital GP service and paid volunteer days. Referral bonuses are offered for suitable candidates.

How to Apply

Submit your application below or contact recruitment@xpsgroup.com. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic, 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 will be conditional upon satisfactory DBS Disclosure checks, employment or educational references, credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship.

Who Are We

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