Deputy Administration Manager

XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. 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 Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Deputy Pensions Manager to join our vibrant Reading office with hybrid working.

This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar role where they have gained knowledge and experience of Defined Contribution pension schemes and people management skills.

As a Deputy Pensions Manager with XPS you will:

• Oversee the various DC administration tasks completed by the team e.g. handling of leavers, retirements, transfers and deaths.
• Monitor accuracy, performance, and SLAs for the team, including activity and client performances, and take action to ensure targets are met.
• Liaise with Administration Manager regarding appraisals and regular catch-up meetings.
• Conduct some appraisals and catch-up meetings including regular mentoring meetings with staff on probation.
• Help identify any training needs across the team and assist with developing and mentoring team members.
• Ensure the accurate update of time recording system for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities.
• Anticipate, resolve and own problems, identifying solutions to management as and when required.
• Prepare, check and issue administration bills.
• Update internal change control and other schedules and spreadsheets as required.
• Manage day-to-day activities of staff to ensure efficient and effective delivery of all work.
• Hold regular workflow meetings with senior team members (where needed) to manage progress and resolve any issues.
• Take part in marketing and new business activities including completing tender responses, attending pitches and presenting at site visits.
• Provide expert advice solutions to pensions queries and pensions consultative advice; keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry, and providing technical support to more junior staff.

Your profile:

• Able to demonstrate an expert knowledge of pensions administration activities and can apply this knowledge to any scheme.
• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Contributions (DC) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in, transfers out and reporting.
• Experience of current pensions legislation and framework is essential, especially the regulatory requirements of the various Pensions and Finance Acts which impact on pensions administration.
• Previous supervisory or workflow management experience is required, ideally including performance monitoring, appraisals, recruitment etc.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Third party pensions administration experience preferred, although strong all-round experience within an in-house pensions department which is not purely process driven will be considered.
• Previous presentational experience is desirable to assist with prospect pitches and trustee meetings.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary
• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
• Flexible Bank holidays
• Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
• Healthcare cash plan
• 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

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.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:

• Right to Work confirmation
• DBS Disclosure check
• 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.