Assistant Pensions Manager

Contract: Fixed Term–12 months (Secondment opportunity available)

Working hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: £46,142 to £49,282

Location: Kelvedon Park, London Road, Rivenhall, Essex, CM8 3HB
/ Hybrid

Closing date: 11.59pm, Sunday 22 February 2026

We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location; however, the expectation is that, as a hybrid role, your work will be balanced between home and Services facilities, and you will be expected to attend the Service premises for at least 3 days of a 5‑day working week.

This role is a fixed‑term opportunity. If the role is extended (or made permanent), the extension or permanent position may be offered to the successful applicant ahead of any further recruitment process.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Pensions Manager to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the effective administration of pension arrangements across Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority.

You will support the Payroll and Pensions Manager in delivering accurate pension calculations, statutory returns, and compliance with legislation.

Acting as the key point of contact for pension queries, you will also manage casework, oversee processes for service improvement, and deputise for the Manager when required.

You will have line management responsibility for the Pensions Officer, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure high standards of service delivery.

Ensure accurate pension calculations and compliance with regulations.

Oversee checking processes and maintain auditable records.

Prepare statutory returns and reports to meet deadlines.

Act as the main liaison with Essex Pension Fund and internal stakeholders.

Manage casework and support Internal Dispute Resolution Processes.

Provide training and maintain clear process documentation.

Line management of the Pensions Officer, ensuring effective performance and development.

Contribute to projects and service improvements under the direction of the Payroll and Pensions Manager.

You will have strong knowledge of pension and HMRC regulations, excellent numerical, analytical and presentation skills, and experience in interpreting legislation, preparing reports and checking pension calculations.

You will be confident using HR and Payroll systems using Excel to an advanced level, with the ability to communicate clearly and build constructive relationships.

If you are an internal candidate, you must have discussed your application with your line manager and confirmed with them there are no outstanding issues of conduct or performance. This will be verified prior to shortlisting.

You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and/or education history, along with a supporting statement of no more than 750 words that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Person Specification.

You may submit this either as a Word document, PDF, or an MP3 (voice note) or MP4 (video); however, the word count of your supporting statement should not exceed 750 words no matter which format you choose to present your application.

You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) should you wish. Your CV and additional documents will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).

The assessment and selection approach will be:

Stage 1 (w/c Monday 23 February):
Application & shortlisting (assessment of your supporting statement will be made against the essential criteria of the Person Specification).

Stage 2 (Friday 13 March & w/c Monday 16 March):
Role specific panel interview, 10‑minute presentation to the interview panel (topic to be shared in advance if you are shortlisted), a data‑based assessment.

Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact James Durrant, Payroll and Pensions Manager on or jam

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to…