Job description
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? If so, the Environment Agency is the organisation for you.
We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies (including job share).
We are looking for a Pensions Administration Manager to play a key role in the Benefits & Engagement team with the Environment Agency Pension Fund (EAPF), focusing on all aspects of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administration. It’s a unique opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team and the third-party administration provider to effectively delivery the administration contract in line with fund’s business plan and administration strategy. You will ensure the administration service is delivered to the agreed standards, making sure all LGPS members and stakeholders receive a high-quality service. You will also support all LGPS employers to ensure compliance and resolve service issues.
You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day administration performance of the third-party provider, which includes reporting to Pensions Committee, and working with the Benefits Working Group to review and improve service delivery. You will be required to interpret complex legislation, advise the team and LGPS employers, and manage process improvements with the third-party provider. This includes providing higher-level technical advice to LGPS members when necessary, managing challenging complaints, and supporting with Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You may be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
The EAPF team is part of the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate at the Environment Agency (EA), and supports the EAPF Committee (a sub-Committee of the EA Board). We manage c.£5bn of assets for our 40,000 members.
We are a friendly team, based in Bristol city centre, and work together to deliver a Pension Fund that is well run, well financed, invested responsibly, and provides an excellent service for our Scheme members and employers.
Experience/skills required
You will have proven experience of the LGPS at a senior level and demonstrate sound knowledge of Scheme regulations / overriding legislation, as well as an understanding of third-party administration arrangements and the importance of good relationship management. You will be able to interpret and explain complex pensions issues in an accessible and understandable way to multiple stakeholders (inc. colleagues).
Understanding pension administration systems is also key to the role, as is the ability to problem solve and apply strategic thinking, especially when managing process changes and complex cases.
Being a good team player and excellent communicator (verbal and written) is essential, especially given the degree of relationship management involved, and reporting to the EAPF Committee. You will be required to work on your own initiative and respond to challenging situations, managing unexpected workloads and demands.
Attainment to industry standard qualifications is advantageous, but attaining such qualifications would be supported.
Contact and additional information
The location for this role is Horizon House, Bristol. Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (inc. job share) are welcomed. You will be expected to travel to London and Darlington on occasions.
Everyone starting a new role is welcomed to the EAPF team and given all the training and support needed. As part of the induction, you will be provided with the required equipment.
For more information about working for the EA, employee benefits and how to apply, please read the candidate pack and additional information provided.
For any questions, please contact Mathew James (Head of Benefits & Engagement) by emailing: mathew.james@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews will be held week commencing 1 September 2025 at Horizon House, Bristol (BS5 1AH).
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
This is about how you collect, analyse, interpret, record, manage, develop and share data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
This role requires collating and analysing performance data from the third-party pension administrator. Explain what data you would need to effectively evaluate performance, the process you would adopt, and what standards would need to be met.
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Harness the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Explain how you would ensure your team’s work, and the third-party provider’s performance, is being delivered to the expected standard.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Explain a situation where you have successfully persuaded other key stakeholders to follow your plans to deliver a major piece of work. What strategy did you use to bring people on board.
Competence 4
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Explain how you have successfully delivered a major project in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles and describe how you managed to overcome those challenges.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
