Pension Manager

A leading UK pensions consultancy is seeking an experienced Pensions Administration Manager to join its growing administration team in Reading. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior pensions professional to take ownership of a portfolio of Defined Benefit pension schemes, lead a high-performing team, and play a key role in delivering exceptional client service.

Working in a collaborative and technically focused environment, you'll build strong relationships with trustees and corporate clients, oversee complex pension administration projects, and help drive continuous improvement across the business.

This role would suit an established Pensions Administration Manager or an experienced Deputy Manager looking to take the next step in their career.

As Pensions Administration Manager, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of high-quality administration services across a portfolio of occupational pension schemes, while leading, mentoring and developing a team of pensions professionals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the day-to-day delivery of pensions administration services across a diverse client portfolio.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with trustees, scheme sponsors and key stakeholders.
• Leading client meetings and acting as a trusted point of contact for pensions administration and technical matters.
• Overseeing annual and ad-hoc projects including benefit statements, pension increases, scheme returns, trustee reports and accounts.
• Providing technical guidance on Defined Benefit pension scheme matters and legislative developments.
• Monitoring workflow, service delivery standards and project deadlines to ensure excellent client outcomes.
• Reviewing complex calculations, member communications and technical casework.
• Managing administration billing and ensuring chargeable work is recorded and invoiced appropriately.
• Supporting business development initiatives, client retention strategies and growth opportunities.
• Leading, coaching and developing team members through performance management, mentoring and training.
• Driving operational efficiencies, quality improvements and risk management initiatives.
• Strong Defined Benefit pensions administration experience.
• Excellent technical knowledge across pension scheme events including retirements, transfers, deaths, pension increases and member calculations.
• Thorough understanding of UK pensions legislation and regulatory developments.
• Previous team leadership or people management experience.
• Strong client relationship management skills within a pensions environment.
• Experience delivering pensions administration projects to agreed timescales and budgets.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Third-Party Administration (TPA) experience.
• Exposure to business development and new business activities.
• Knowledge of wider pensions consultancy services.