Project Specialist (Pensions)

XPS Pensions Group is no ordinary company. We have 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.

As part of our administration business, we have six specialist project teams across the country which have extensive experience of undertaking a wide variety of project work. This includes dedicated specialists for:

• data analysis and reporting
• data cleansing and member tracing
• GMP reconciliation and rectification
• benefit specifications
• benefit audits
• benefit rectification
• scheme changes
• liability reduction exercises

We have fantastic new opportunities for experienced project delivery managers to join our projects team at a senior level during an exciting period of growth. In this role you will be responsible for leading and managing projects end to end, in line with budgets, deadlines, and objectives. You will also coordinate and support less experienced staff with additional projects. This role is client facing therefore you will be expected to:

• Act as point of contact generally and to explain complex issues
• Attend client and trustee meetings to present project updates.

Key Responsibilities:

As a specialist you will take ownership of specific workstreams and/or processes, this will include:

• Developing processes, work methods and tools
• Producing process documents
• Communicating and training on processes or workstreams
• Assisting teams on complex projects and technical questions
• Managing and allocating work of team members for processes or workstreams
• Management reporting
• Overseeing budgets for workstreams
• Developing marketing materials, internal updates, and newsletters

Other key responsibilities:

• Set and achieve project delivery deadlines within scope and budget.
• Ensure client sign off on fees and scope has been secured as the work commences.
• Delivery of projects within agreed budgets, identification of out-of-scope work and proactive management and discussion with the clients to ensure that all work is billed in a timely manner.
• Create and maintain centralized data management plan processes.
• Completion and review of calculations for pension benefit data both manually and spreadsheet based.
• Revaluing and devaluing pension benefit data to ascertain any under or overpayment values, reporting results to clients to consider rectification actions.
• Undertake and review rectification actions to member benefits and issue communications.
• Partner with Client and Administration Managers within the business on project delivery requirements and stakeholder management.
• Dealing confidently with HMRC, Clients, Scheme Actuaries, Scheme Administrators, Consultants, Pension Accounts / Payroll, Members and third parties by phone, email and letter.
• Checking and authorising other team members' work.
• Understanding and application of benefit structures, Trust Deed & Rules, Inland Revenue guidance notes, PSO, Disclosure requirements.
• Provision of technical information both verbally and in writing.
• Compliance with ISO and AAF accreditations.
• Checking and authorising project work.
• Providing general support to the deputy/team manager.
• Support the delivery of a continuous improvement programme championing operational excellence while identifying areas where the project delivery service to clients could be improved and/or expanded.

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.

Your Profile:

Essential:

• Commercial acumen to plan, manage, track and deliver project revenue, client and business requirements within budget.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to manage resources and operational delivery of a team to ensure revenue targets met and work delivered to plan.
• Technical pensions and data projects knowledge to be able to explain complex issues to key stakeholders internally and externally.
• The ability to manipulate spreadsheet data using formulas, such as Index, V-look up, Pivot table and Macro is essential.
• Ability to efficiently resolve issues by identifying solutions to enable projects to be effectively delivered in accordance with client requirements.
• Proven ability to lead a project providing strategic direction and guidance while managing, coaching and mentoring individual team members.
• Concise and confident communicator of complex project issues - covering both verbal and written skills.
• Ability to work within a team towards targets.
• Be proactive, having drive and commitment.
• Achieved some exam successes in professional qualifications such as PMI / QPA / RPC / DPC / DPA and actively working towards full qualification.
• Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and champion diversity within the team.
• Able to support developing a culture of high standards, excellent quality and customer responsiveness.

Desirable:

This role is likely to appeal to individuals with experience in a similar role dealing with DB pension schemes although not exclusive as all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

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.

Who are we:

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