Pensions Administration Manager

Location: Reading (Hybrid) Grade: Senior Consultant Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time REQ003889 XPS Pensions Group is no ordinary company. We've earned numerous awards and accolades, making us an industry leader in Pensions Consultancy. As the largest pure pensions consultancy in the UK, we are a team of approximately 2,300 employees spread across 15 locations nationwide. Listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market, we pride ourselves on our ability to think and act differently, offering expert advice to over 1,600 pension schemes and administering pensions for over 1,000,000 members. About The Team Our teams of pension administrators provide services to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes, including Defined Benefit (DB), Defined Contribution (DC), Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) and hybrid arrangements. Our services span scheme administration, member communications, payroll, pension scheme accounting, technical consultancy and de-risking projects. Our administration model is scheme-based, meaning each team takes ownership of the full service delivered to its clients. This approach enables us to build lasting relationships, develop deep scheme knowledge and provide a consistently high standard of service. At XPS, we believe great pensions administration is about more than technical accuracy. We are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for both our clients and their members, combining technical expertise with outstanding customer service. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Defined Benefit Pensions professional to take ownership of a significant client portfolio, lead and develop a high-performing team, and play an active role in the continued success and growth of one of the UK's leading pensions administration businesses. Working closely with the Deputy Managers, you will act as a key day-to-day contact for an assigned portfolio of clients, ensuring the delivery of high-quality pensions administration and consultancy services. You will also contribute to business improvement initiatives, support strategic objectives and help drive operational excellence across the function. Why Join XPS? This role offers the opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of Defined Benefit pension schemes while leading and developing a talented administration team. You'll have the autonomy to build strong client relationships, influence service delivery, drive continuous improvement and contribute to the future growth of the business. Whether you are an experienced Pensions Administration Manager or a highly capable Deputy Manager ready for the next step in your career, XPS offers a collaborative environment where your expertise, leadership and ambition can make a genuine impact. Key Responsibilities As a Pensions Administration Manager, you will lead the delivery of high-quality Defined Benefit pensions administration services across your assigned client portfolio. Combining strong technical expertise, client relationship management and people leadership skills, you will be responsible for ensuring outstanding service, developing team capability and supporting the commercial success of the business. Key Responsibilities May Include

• Assisting or where appropriate leading the provision of pensions administration services for the assigned XPS Administration client portfolio
• Overseeing day to day management of client relationships with trustees and corporate clients, and participation in trustee and client meetings where applicable. Taking a proactive stance to gain an extensive knowledge of assigned client portfolio to ensure client confidence, credibility and trust. Reacting to clients' needs in a positive manner whilst maintaining the commercial interests of the business.
• Active participation in XPS Administration's marketing initiatives, new business activities, attending new business pitches and company events. Seeking opportunities to generate additional income from existing client portfolio
• Providing expert advice and solutions to pensions queries and consultancy matters, whilst keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry.
• Overseeing the project management of annual and ad-hoc projects such as renewals, benefit statements, pension increases, scheme returns, trustees' reports and accounts. Ensuring projects are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislative requirements.
• Reviewing and overseeing work completed by less experienced team members. Approving ad-hoc and standard correspondence in response to member and client queries.
• Taking responsibility for all aspects of administration billing in conjunction with the Operations Manager and/or Client Manager. Ensuring all chargeable work is accurately recorded, billed promptly and managed in accordance with business requirements.
• Communicating service delivery objectives and targets to team members and presenting technical updates at team meetings.
• Leading non-client activities, conducting internal audits, identifying process improvements and driving quality initiatives. Ensuring governance and risk management records are maintained accurately.
• Assuming responsibility for workflow management across the designated team, including workload allocation, prioritisation and ensuring delivery against client expectations, legal timescales and service level agreements.
• Identifying team objectives and implementing improvements aligned to business needs.
• Contributing positively to management meetings and supporting the implementation of agreed actions relating to resourcing, efficiencies and team communications.
• Managing performance, conducting appraisals, supporting recruitment activities and addressing employee relations matters where required.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing team members, creating opportunities for growth and ensuring adherence to company procedures and policies.
• Building strong working relationships with internal departments including Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Consulting and Business Support to ensure excellent client outcomes.
• Ensuring accurate completion of time recording activities and supporting the team in achieving utilisation, recovery and performance targets.
• Undertaking additional responsibilities of a similar nature as required by the evolving needs of the business. Essential Your Profile:
• Strong technical knowledge of Defined Benefit pensions administration and the ability to apply this knowledge across a range of pension schemes
• Significant pensions administration experience including retirements, transfers, deaths, pension increases, benefit statements, renewals, member calculations and scheme events
• Thorough understanding of pensions legislation and industry developments, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory change
• Previous leadership and people management experience, including coaching, performance management, employee development and recruitment
• Experience managing client relationships, service delivery and team performance within a pensions administration environment
• Third Party Administration (TPA) experience is advantageous; however, applications from candidates with strong in-house pensions administration backgrounds are also welcomed
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the confidence to engage with trustees, clients and colleagues at all levels
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving capability demonstrated through relevant professional experience
• Experience leading pensions administration projects and delivering successful outcomes to agreed timescales
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint Desirable
• Experience supporting business development, client retention and new business opportunities
• Experience developing professional networks and long-term client relationships
• Exposure to de-risking projects and wider pensions consultancy services 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 below or contact recruitment@xpsgroup.com. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace. Equal Opportunity Statement Eligibility Any employment offer made will be conditional upon satisfactory DBS disclosure checks, employment and educational references, satisfactory credit checks, and evidence of the right to work in the UK. Please note that XPS is currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Who Are We To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com