Deputy Pensions Administration Manager

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Deputy Pensions Administration Manager

Middlesbrough

Hybrid

Full Time

Permanent

Req: 002592

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 Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Deputy Pensions Administration Manager to join our vibrant office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar Senior Pensions Administrator role where they have extensive experience in defined benefit pensions schemes and people management skills.

The Team

Our award-winning pensions administration business puts scheme members at the heart of everything we do. Our services include scheme administration, first-time outsourcing, member communications and scam protection.

The Role

As a Deputy Administration Manager with XPS you will:

• Oversee 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.
• 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.
• Attend and actively contribute ideas to deputy administration manager meetings.
• 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.
• Support, motivate and coach colleagues to the benefit of the team and wider Company.
• Seek ways of innovating and improving quality, service delivery and efficiencies in processes and procedures.
• Maintain a client-focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with clients both face to face and via the telephone.
• 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.
• Ensure breaches, errors and complaints logs are promptly completed and regularly reviewed.
• Assist in recruitment process including interviews.
• Deputise at Administration Manager meetings when necessary.
• 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.
• Drive and support automation projects across the team.
• Provide guidance to team members on items such as utilisation and recoverability so there's more of an awareness at all levels.
• Attend trustee meetings when opportunity arises.
• Provide guidance to senior team members on fees to quote for ad-hoc projects/service upgrades.
• Sign out non-standard letters in response to client and member queries.

Your profile

Essential Criteria

• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Benefit (DB) schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers in, transfers out, monthly processing and investment, benefit statements, renewals and pension increases.
• 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.
• 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.
• Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work-related experience or academic achievements.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Strong presentation skills 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

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.

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.