About XPS Group
XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, 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.
Location: Reading
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Consultant
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Reference: REQ003539
About The Role
We are currently seeking a Deputy Administration Manager to join our 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 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 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Overseeing the management of annual and ad‑hoc projects for all schemes on the team such as renewals, benefit statements, pension increases, life styling, trustees’ reports and accounts. Ensuring projects are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
- Reviewing the client work of other less experienced pension administrator team members.
- Monitoring accuracy, performance, and SLA’s for the team, including activity and client performances, and taking action to ensure targets are met.
- Liaising with Administration Managers regarding appraisals and regular catch‑up meetings. Conducting some appraisals and catch‑up meetings including regular mentoring meetings with staff on probation.
- Ensuring the accurate update of time recording system for both chargeable and non‑chargeable activities.
- Maintaining a client focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with clients.
- Preparing, checking and issuing administration bills.
- Updating internal change control and other schedules and spreadsheets as required.
- Ensuring breaches, errors and complaint logs are promptly completed and regularly reviewed.
- Deputising at Administration Manager meetings when necessary.
- Managing 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.
Essential
- Able to demonstrate expert knowledge of pensions administration activities and can apply this knowledge to any scheme.
- Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Benefit (DB) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in, transfers out and reporting.
- Experience of current pensions legislation and frameworks is essential, especially the regulatory requirements of the various Pensions and Finance Acts which impact on pensions administration.
- Previous supervisory workflow management experience is required – ideally including performance monitoring, appraisals, recruitment, etc.
- IT proficiency: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
- Effective management skills including awareness of management processes and motivation of staff.
- Able to demonstrate numerical aptitude evidenced by work‑related experience or academic achievements.
Desirable
- 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 presentation experience is desirable to assist with prospect pitches and trustee meetings.
- Sound commercial and business awareness.
Qualifications
- Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification – minimum grade B/6.
- Progression within a relevant pensions’ qualification e.g. CPC/QPA/DPC/RPC/APMI is desirable.
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.
Equal Opportunities 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.
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