Senior Pensions Administrator in Stockport

We are recruiting on behalf of Creative Support for a Senior Pensions Administrator in Stockport. They are a high-quality provider of support to individuals with a wide range of care needs including, individuals with a learning disability and other needs. Employing over 5,200 staff members, we are continuing to grow at a fast pace nationally and are looking for a Senior Pensions Administrator.

The main purpose of this role is to lead on the operation of the company’s pension schemes and to co-ordinate employee and employer payments. You will be responsible for the administration of all pension payments and reporting requirements for LGPS and NHS pension schemes. You will also support with Expenses administration and oversee the administration of the company’s death in service insurance and other employee benefits. Experience in working with NHS & LGPS pension schemes is essential

• To lead on the administration of the company personal pension scheme, which will include setting up new employees in line with auto enrolment deductions. To ensure compliance with the most recent Auto-Enrolment Legislation and liaise with the scheme actuary and Trustees in relation to the tri-annual actuarial valuation.
• Monitor changes in employee job roles, hours and salary to satisfy conditions for Auto Enrolment.
• To act as the main point of contact for all Pension Schemes. This includes LGPS and NHS schemes.
• To manage the administration of all Pension Schemes transferring in or out under TUPE regulations and liaising with HR director and payroll manager to ensure pensions are set up for all new employees, including staff TUPE’d from other employers.
• To liaise with new employers regarding any individuals due to TUPE in to Creative Support and to ensure that the appropriate administration work is completed.
• Maintain Public Sector Contracts and ensure Legislative changes are followed. Ensure Payments and reporting schedules are strictly adhered to.
• To manage the general pension administration for all services in conjunction with external project administrators, advisors, actuaries and solicitors, providing ad-hoc data as required.
• To be responsible for managing of the Creative Support Life Assurance Scheme, providing data for the trustees where necessary. To liaise with beneficiaries of the scheme in a professional, sensitive manner.
• To provide Employee Benefits data for the annual Life Assurance renewal process for all relevant policies via the insurance brokers.
• Acting as liaison for employee claims within the benefits system and managing such claims to completion.
• Working within a team and assisting other team members. To work closely with members of the payroll team and payroll manager to manage all pension-related enquiries including complaints, queries and retirement applications where applicable.
• To use the iTrent payroll system to monitor ongoing cases and for payment of benefits.
• Maintain the Scheme database information to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
• To assist the Payroll Manager the management and reporting of P11 D’s and PSA’s.
• Dealing confidently and positively with pension and tax related queries from pension scheme managers and other contacts.
• Checking and authorising other team member’s work and giving development support and mentoring to less experienced colleagues.
• Work with technical colleagues on changes to legislation, regulation or systems affecting the scheme.
• Provide ‘on the job’ training to administration staff as required in order to ensure a sufficient pool of trained resource.
• Actively engage with employees nearing retirement to provide guidance and support leading up to retirement.

• Two years plus experience of direct administration of pension schemes. Must have a proven, substantial experience of carrying out pension calculations and submission of tax year end pension and HMRC returns.
• A working knowledge the Auto-Enrolment system and legislation
• Knowledge and/or experience of working within a Public Sector
• Awareness of internal checks and controls that are necessary to ensure compliance with pensions legislations.
• Basic knowledge of TUPE regulations
• Up to date working knowledge of pension’s legislation and impact on pension calculations and practices.
• Excellent customer service focus with excellent communication including over the telephone, via email and positive communication with members of the payroll department.
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks at once, to prioritise and manage conflicting demands effectively and remain calm.
• Experience of using pension scheme administration systems, testing calculations and output.
• Working Knowledge of NHS and LGPS pension schemes.
• Achieving consistently high standards of productivity, accuracy and presentation of work.
• Able to develop & write procedures for employees relating to benefits and the communication of pension benefit changes.
• Systems knowledge: Excellent Microsoft Office Skills (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Ability work in a team effectively.
• The ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
• A common sense approach to problem solving.
• A commitment to customer care.
• Willingness to work flexible hours which may include some evening and weekend work as agreed with line manager.
• Willingness to attend training courses and events.
• Willingness to participate in regular supervision with line manager.
• CIPD qualification in pension administration or equivalent

• A one-off bonus of £100 upon successful completion of the 4-month probationary period.
• Competitive pay and a pension with company contribution and 28 days annual leave,
• Company paid enhanced DBS for all staff
• Free employee support programme
• All our staff are supported 24/7 by our out-of-hours teams
• Support to complete the nationally recognised Care Certificate and Social Care Diploma