Pensions Specialist (Administration)

at  Environment Agency

Region
South West
City/Town
Bristol
Grade
Staff Grade 5
Post Type
Permanent
Role Type
Administration / Corporate Support
Working Pattern
Full Time
Salary Minimum
£41,617
Closing Date:
16/02/2025, 23:55 hours
Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone, as well as being part of a fast-moving industry - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)? If so, the Environment Agency (EA) is the organisation for you - as the administering authority for the award-winning Environment Agency Pension Fund (EAPF), managing around £4.5 billion assets for our 40,000 members.
This is your chance to become a Pensions Specialist, working closely with the Pensions Administration Manager in all aspects of LGPS administration. This will include the operational management and delivery of our third-party administration contract. Your chance to ensure the administration service is being delivered to the agreed standards. Identifying, managing and monitoring process improvements to uphold a high-quality service to all LGPS members and stakeholders. You will also need to support the EAPF’s scheme employers to ensure compliance and resolve any service-related issues with the third-party administrator (TPA).
You will take responsibility for the management of any data or regulatory breaches, which includes identifying and progressing any resultant process improvements with the TPA. Another key responsibility will be managing complex member enquiries and escalations to the TPA, including complaint cases. When required, this will include supporting the collation of evidence for Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You may be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you.
The EA is fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies (including job share).
The team
The Pensions team sits in the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance directorate, which reports to the EA’s Chief Executive.
We are a friendly team of over 20, based in our Head Office in Bristol. The team manages the EAPF’s administration, finance, governance, and investments, but all fully committed to making sure the fund is as successful as it can possibly be. We operate flexible working arrangements.
Experience/skills required
You will need experience of LGPS administration, as well the ability to interpret pensions legislation and understand third-party administration arrangements. An understanding of pension administration systems is also important, as well as being able to identify process improvements and manage complex cases.
Being a good team player is essential, but also an excellent communicator. You will be required to work on your initiative and respond to challenging situations, managing unexpected workloads and demands.
Sound analytical skills are key when managing performance data and reporting. It will be important to be organised and manage strict deadlines. Relationship management is another key facet to nurturing and maintaining solid working relationships with third-party contractors to ensure obligations are met.
You will require experience of most Microsoft 365 applications.
Attainment to industry standard qualifications is desirable, but not essential, as opportunities to attain such qualifications will be considered.
Contact and additional information
The office location is Horizon House, Bristol, BS5 1AH, but we operate flexible working arrangements. You will be expected to travel to London and Darlington on occasions.
Everyone starting a new role is welcomed to the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of the induction, you will be provided with all the required equipment.
For more information about working for the EA, employee benefits and how to apply, please read the and additional information provided.
If you have any questions, please contact Mathew James (Pensions Administration Manager) by telephoning 07385 969 153 or emailing mathew.james@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interview Date: Week Commencing - Monday, 24 February 2025 (in person).
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
To manage the delivery of the third-party administration contract to the agreed standards, performance reports containing various data sets are provided periodically by the appointed provider. Can you provide examples and explain how you’ve had to interpret and evaluate pensions data in the past.
Competence 2
Communicates Effectively
Description
The Pensions Specialist (Administration) will be required to communicate with various stakeholders. Can you give examples of different audiences this role would communicate with and what methods of communication you would use for different stakeholders?
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Can you give an example of a situation where you have successfully persuaded other key stakeholders to follow your proposals to improve a process. How did you set about the delivery of your proposal, and how did you manage to influence the key stakeholders to accept your proposal?
Competence 4
Achieves Results
Description
Giving a specific example, describe how you have successfully delivered a major project or task in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles, and how you overcame and managed those challenges?