Pensions Administrator (Insurance)
Location: Reading
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Associate
Hybrid
REQ003625
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.
About the Role:
Our teams of pensions administrators provide services to a wide range of insurance and trust-based pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings, and hybrid schemes. We are currently seeking a Pensions Administrator to join our team, to provide an effective and efficient pensions administration service to XPS Administration clients, whilst participating in achieving team objectives. This is a hybrid role with an office presence expected twice per week but will require more office time during the initial ‘settling in’ period.
Key Responsibilities:
-
Performing various administration tasks e.g. handling of data changes, general enquiries, retirements, transfers and deaths, this includes:
- Adhering to best practice procedures in all aspects of pensions administration related tasks as defined by the Company.
- Updating relevant pension administration databases and systems.
- Logging post/correspondence.
- Handling HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) queries.
- Receiving and handling internal and external telephone queries.
- Running automated systems calculations.
- Performing manual benefits calculations.
- Producing letters to ‘draft standards’ via Electronic Document Management system (EDM) in response to customer queries and arranging for them to be issued after checking.
- Returning original documentation and certificates to customers.
- Amending of, and with experience developing into checking non-financial work e.g. change of address.
- Developing a basic knowledge and awareness of insurer and associated schemes.
- Assisting the team with project related work e.g. bulk mailshots to scheme members.
- Working closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Support and others as required
- Ensuring the accurate updating of time recording system (Virtual Office) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities and meeting required utilisation targets.
Your Profile:
Essential:
-
Previous office-based experience ideally gained within the financial services or pensions industry would be advantageous. This role is likely to appeal to individuals with up to 12 months experience although not exclusive as all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
- Able to demonstrate a basic awareness and/or knowledge of pensions industry.
- Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work related experience or academic achievements as listed below.
- IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Ability to work in advance of deadlines and prioritising multiple tasks.
- Able to see projects/tasks through to completion within given timescales.
- Willingness to learn.
- Able to follow instructions, procedures, policies and assimilate information quickly in a consistent manner.
- Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
- Enthusiastic, positive and flexible approach to work.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is required in order to perform their duties both numerical and written.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- An active listener and able to follow through on the instructions given.
- Able to work as part of a multi-disciplined team.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Able to recognise the need for a customer focused approach to their delivery both in terms of quality and exceeding customer expectations.
Qualifications:
-
Educated to a minimum of A Level or equivalent standard.
- Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
- Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade B.
- Willingness to study for a relevant pensions qualification e.g. CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI).
Desirable:
-
Demonstrates a commitment to progressing a pensions administration career.
- A self-motivated approach to professional and personal development.
- Flexible approach to work pressures.
- Developing technical pensions knowledge i.e. different pensions provisions available – DB/DC and CARE.
- Continues to seek ways of improving processes and procedures.
- Forming successful professional relationships both internally and externally.
- Successfully progressing CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI.
- Sharing knowledge with colleagues.
- Developing more junior members of staff.
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 via Apply Now option or contact
[email protected] for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
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.
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
