Pensions Administration Manager

Pensions Administration Manager

Job Reference: REQ003627
Contractual Hours: 36.25
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Senior Consultant
Location: Reading (Hybrid - office presence twice per week)

About the Role

Lead and manage the provision of pensions administration services for an assigned insurer portfolio, ensuring high-quality delivery, profitability and sustainable client relationships. Oversee a team of pensions administrators, lead business development activities, and drive continuous improvement in processes and quality assurance.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as prime contact for assigned insurer clients, delivering high quality administration and consultancy services.
• Partner with Deputy Managers to implement strategic decisions and support business objectives.
• Lead day to day service delivery for a portfolio of insured pension schemes, managing quality, profit, and sustainability.
• Drive client relationship management, including client meetings, new business pitches, and portfolio growth.
• Provide expert pensions advice, keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments.
• Oversee project management for policy documents, pension increases, governance reports, and ad hoc projects.
• Review client work, sign out letters, and ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements.
• Manage admin billing, ensuring accurate time recording, billing, and collections.
• Disseminate service delivery objectives, present technical matters at team meetings, and conduct internal audits and quality assurance reviews.
• Lead workflow management, workload allocation, prioritisation, and SLA compliance.
• Mentor, coach, train, and develop the pensions administration team.
• Collaborate with other departments to provide integrated client service.
• Maintain accurate time recording and reporting to senior management.
• Participate in regular service delivery and pricing/transition meetings with insurers.
• Attend client pitches for trustees moving to insurance products.

Your Profile

Essential

• Experience in insured pensions administration, including scheme processing, leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers, monthly processing, and pension increases.
• Expert knowledge of pensions administration activities applicable to any scheme.
• Strong understanding of pensions legislation and ability to stay informed of changes.
• Previous supervisory, leadership, and performance monitoring experience.
• Experience in third party pensions administration preferred.
• Presentation skills for client pitches and trustee meetings.
• Numerical aptitude with relevant academic or work evidence.
• Project management experience for pension administration projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Desirable

• Experience in marketing or new business activities.
• Development of business contacts or relationships.
• Client reporting or governance material production.
• Client facing presentation experience.
• Writing tender documentation and contract assistance.

Benefits

Competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, 25 days holiday (buy/sell flexibility), pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and a flexible benefits scheme. Digital GP service, volunteer days, referral bonuses, and employee assistance are also available.

Equal Opportunities Statement

XPS Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all candidates irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.