Pensions Actuarial (Insurance Pricing)

XPS Group is 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 an experienced Actuarial Assistant to join our vibrant Belfast office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous pensions valuation experience.

A FTSE 250 company, XPS 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 in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider 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 to XPS and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued.

The Team

We aim to give our members the best outcomes and security in retirement through the advice we give, the services we deliver and the solutions we develop.

The Role

As a Pensions Actuarial Consultant (Insurance Pricing) with XPS you will:

• Work in a wider team that is currently 25 strong and continuing to see growth, across multiple XPS Group sites in the UK.
• Attend client meetings, taking an active role where applicable: Presenting actuarial findings, engaging with clients on relevant key issues.
• Check/review a variety of actuarial calculations in the following areas: Actuarial valuations, production of company accounting disclosures, individual benefits, PPF levy, bulk transfer, incentive exercises and de-risking projects.
• Understand the implications of the results of the above calculations to provide advice on matters such as contribution rates, levy reduction, liability reduction exercises.
• Draft reports, emails and presentations to deliver actuarial results and advice.
• Draft member communications (e.g. Summary Funding Statements, responses to individual queries).
• Manage clients, taking responsibility for allocation and completion of work, and meeting deadlines, working directly with the Scheme Actuary.
• Maintain a good understanding of relevant technical issues, including TASs, Codes of Practice, scheme documentation and the supporting regulatory framework.
• Develop internal standard processes and identify new ways to work more efficiently.
• Take a proactive role in personal development/training.
• Attend and deliver internal technical training sessions and demonstrate application of learning.

Your profile

• Relevant pensions industry knowledge.
• Practical experience in conducting actuarial valuations is highly desirable.
• Strong IT skills with good working knowledge of MS Office suite of products, in particular Excel.
• An inquisitive approach to working and processes is a must.
• Ideal for individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing projects with quick turnaround times.
• Ability to remain composed and deliver under pressure.
• Effective communication skills are essential.
• Strong analytical skills and a methodical approach to process adherence.
• An aptitude for tackling challenges that require manual intervention within projects.

What we offer:

• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday.
• Flexible Bank holidays.
• Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle.
• Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary.
• XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone).
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household.
• Access to a digital GP service.
• Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events.
• Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS.

What next:

If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.

Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.

If you do not feel ready to apply or still have questions, please email us.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:

• Right to Work confirmation.
• Employment or educational references covering five years.
• Satisfactory credit check.

We continuously strive to build an inclusive workplace where all forms of diversity are valued, including age, background, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Please note we reserve the right to close our vacancies early and we only accept CVs direct from candidates or our preferred supplier list. XPS try wherever possible to respond to all applicants; if for any reason you have not heard from us within 28 days of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.