Client Pensions Manager Education (12 month FTC)

About IRIS

IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.

We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Pension Manager to lead and develop our pensions operation within the Education division for a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

This is an exciting opportunity for a pensions professional with strong leadership capabilities to join a growing organisation and play a key role in delivering an efficient, compliant, and customer-focused pensions service.

You will be responsible for leading Pension Team Leads, supporting operational excellence, ensuring compliance with pension legislation, and driving continuous improvement across the function.

As Pension Manager, you will:

• Lead and mentor Pension Team Leads and wider pensions teams.

• Ensure service delivery meets agreed KPIs and Service Level Agreements.

• Drive operational performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.

• Oversee daily and annual pension administration activities.

• Develop strong partnerships with customers, pension funds, payroll teams, and internal stakeholders.

• Monitor team performance and implement actions to improve efficiency and service quality.

• Deliver customer webinars and support clients with pension compliance and best practice.

• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure full statutory compliance.

• Keep up to date with pension legislation and industry developments.

• Represent the business in relevant forums, working groups, and stakeholder meetings.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience within pension administration or pension services.

• Thorough understanding of public sector or education pension schemes, including Teachers' Pension and Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS).

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

• Strong knowledge of pension legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Experience managing performance against SLAs, KPIs, and operational targets.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem‑solving abilities.

• Experience working within education, payroll, or outsourced service environments.

• Knowledge of pension administration software and reporting tools.

• Experience leading transformation, automation, or continuous improvement initiatives.

• Familiarity with AI-driven process improvements and operational efficiencies.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Ongoing professional development and leadership training.

• Opportunity to influence and shape a growing pensions function.

• Supportive, collaborative, and customer-focused culture.

• Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.

• Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.

• Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.