Senior Pensions Administrator

Job Overview

The Senior Pensions Administrator is responsible for providing specialist Pensions information on all pensions lifecycle events including supporting the administration of complex pensions transactions. This role is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on resolving Pensions related queries ensuring adherence and compliance with legislation.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide specialist advisory and administrative services to employees and management on all Pensions/Pensions payroll queries ensuring delivery of the core services of the Pension Fund Office
• Take ownership and resolve all pensions lifecycle queries through investigation and analysis, ensuring customer expectations are met whilst managing own workload from start to finish
• Apply expert knowledge and use relevant technology effectively to resolve customer issues
• Ensure all data is logged on the relevant pensions system in a timely, accurate and consistent manner and ensure that all documentation is maintained and stored within the data protection guidelines
• Responsible for checking and authorising the calculations of benefits completed by the other team members for all benefits provided by the Pension Fund and escalate where appropriate
• Actively monitor and control own transactions to achieve efficiency and best value, managing workload through work manager and any other relevant system
• Accountable for tracking case management performance and service handling performance against SLAs
• Continuously seek to identify ways to improve, challenging current practice and suggesting a better way, ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction
• Provide guidance and support to junior members of the team through training and coaching (as required)

Key Interfaces

• Accountable to the Pensions Team Manager
• Pensions team members - delivery of service to members, timely completion and checking of case within SLAs, workload management
• Fund members - face to face, by phone, presentations, by letter - providing details of benefits and options available, explaining the impact choosing particular options, dealing with queries from all members covering all aspects of pensions including tax, Inland Revenue limits, Government changes and payroll
• Overseas payment provider - raising and resolving queries in relation to overseas pensioner payments
• HR and Payroll - ensuring accurate member data and best possible service to members
• AVC providers - investment and disinvestment of members AVCs and DC scheme savings

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of the principles and practice of pensions and payroll administration
• Advance knowledge of Pensions Fund Administration Agreement
• Advance knowledge of Trust Deed and Rules
• Advanced knowledge of the legal and tax law regarding Pensions
• Advanced knowledge of the legal and tax law regarding finance
• Knowledge of external Developments and best practice in Pensions

Skills

• Applying pensions policies and procedures (PRACTITIONER)
• Service level agreements (PRACTITIONER)
• Data entry and maintenance (PRACTITIONER)
• Attention to detail (PRACTITIONER)
• Case Management (PRACTITIONER)
• Pensions Systems (PRACTITIONER)
• Application of Pension Fund Rules and Pensions legislation (PRACTITIONER)
• Strong communications skills with both internal and external stakeholders (PRACTITIONER)

Experience

• Experience of working towards strict deadlines
• Experience of handling sensitive and confidential matters
• Experience of using case management and pensions administration and payroll systems
• Experience of handling complex pensions enquiries
• Experience of communicating clearly and effectively with people from different backgrounds and at all levels
• Experience of administering final salary pension arrangements, current pensions legislation and its impacts on final salary pensions.

Benefits Include

In return for your commitment and expertise, you will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

• Final salary pension scheme 
• Free travel for you on the TfL network 
• A 75% discount on National Rail Season Ticket and interest free loan 
• 29/30 days’ annual leave plus public and bank holidays (delete one)
• Private healthcare discounted scheme (optional) 
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers
• Discounted Eurostar travel

To apply, you will need to submit your CV and a two-page covering letter.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. We also use anonymising software that removes identifying information from CVs and cover letters to make the process fair