Pensions Associate

About Us

At Spence & Partners (part of 3173 Group), we’re on a mission to simplify and enhance the pensions industry. We believe in delivering smarter, more effective solutions that help pension schemes thrive. Since our founding in 2000, we’ve earned a reputation for practical and innovative advice, with a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes.

We’re looking for graduates to start in September 2026 who are eager to make an impact. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of experts, learn from industry leaders, and contribute to projects that help empower trustees, employers, advisers, and members. With a culture built on collaboration and excellence, we offer a dynamic environment where you’ll grow professionally and personally.

Our cutting-edge integrated actuarial and administration platform, industry partnerships, and agile approach to problem-solving are just a few ways we’re reshaping pensions. As part of our team, you’ll be at the heart of these innovations, contributing to meaningful change in the sector.

As a Graduate, a structured training plan will help you grow your knowledge and drive your career. Working with our team you will create a personal development plan to support your development in the company and the industry. In support of our Pensions Management teams, you will contribute to a wide range of work within the pensions sector, incorporating technical support to the Trustees and Sponsoring Employers of pension schemes, as well as our work with the Pension Protection Fund and Pensions Regulator.

This provides the opportunity to enhance your technical abilities and develop core technical pensions management competencies on a daily basis, whilst working in a challenging environment as part of a rapidly growing, innovative pension consulting firm. You will liaise with colleagues throughout our office locations and work on clients from a diverse range of industries.

As a Pensions Management Graduate trainee, you will:

• Help provide a client service that is proactive, timely and fully focused on the needs of the client and maintains the excellent reputation that has been established by our impressive team.
• Be encouraged to use your creativity and critical thinking to come up with tailor‑made solutions to unique problems.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills through regular interaction with clients.
• Be trained on the use of our bespoke in‑house software, Mantle®, to consider and develop appropriate solutions that meet the needs of our clients.
• Carry out a range of projects from winding up schemes and calculating member pension benefits to carrying out forensic research.
• Draft reports and presentations to clients in support of their decision making in managing their pension scheme arrangements.
• Act as key contact to members and clients, answering a range of queries over the phone and via written communication becoming effective and confident in providing clear and accurate information to members and beneficiaries.
• Support our work with the Pension Protection Fund as a member of its Specialist Administration and Actuarial Services Panel.
• Perform in accordance with financial targets and standards; time recording, budget monitoring, billing and all other aspects of financial management.
• Work with and support expert and senior colleagues developing skills and knowledge across our range of services by delivering on client needs.

Essential Criteria

• An honours degree at 2:1 level or above in a relevant subject
• At least 5 GCSEs to include Mathematics and English at Grade A or above
• Excellent IT skills and full competence in Microsoft packages, e.g., Word and Excel, with an aptitude for learning other systems
• Experience of working proactively and using your own initiative to complete tasks
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Ability to display a keen interest in the industry and environment in which we operate

Desirable Criteria

Work experience or Placement in a Professional Services environment

Behaviour Competencies for the Role

Inspiring Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Impacting & Influencing,…