Pensions Operations Manager - Defined Contributions

Contractual hours

36.25

Basis

Full time

Job category/type

• XPS Administration

Date posted

08/07/2026

Job reference

REQ003697

Pensions Operations Manager - Defined Contributions Location: Reading

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Grade: Senior Consultant

Hybrid

REQ003697

About XPS Group

XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.

About the Role

Our teams of pension administrators provide services to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes, including defined benefit, defined contribution, career average revalued earnings, and hybrid schemes.

Our administrative approach is scheme-based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client’s service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves.

Your role initially will be to provide full time management of our DC Master Trust Member Administration team with a particular focus on aspects such as quality assurance, complaint management, people, and process development.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of DC Administration, you will be actively involved in the delivery of our DC administration services. You will aid the overall Master Trust and DC administration functions in delivering 3 overall aims:

• Quality - delivering an industry leading quality service
• Profit - running an efficient and profitable operation
• Long term sustainability – investing in our clients, people and systems

In pursuit of these aims, your objectives would be to assist the Head of DC Administration to:

• Contribute to maintaining the high-quality standards required within the company and seek continually to enhance the quality long term sustainability of the services provided to our clients across the business.
• Manage and continually develop the pension’s administration capability by demonstrating positive leadership skills and actively mentoring Administration Managers and their Deputies when required.
• Actively contribute to the attraction, training and retention of employees by recruiting appropriately; and motivating, rewarding and developing existing employees. Manage HR issues and coordinate administration resources.
• Representing XPS in the management of member related administration tasks, ensuring these are fully documented, monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
• Participate in on-going detailed analysis and improvement of the efficiency of our systems and processes. This will include working collaboratively with other areas of the Pension Administration business.
• Develop the commercial aspects of the function, involving Administration Managers in tendering and client facing work, billing effectively for value added to clients, and ensure that profit is delivered.
• Assist the Client Managers with day-to-day management of client relationships with all parties involved in the operation of the Schemes, scheme members and Employers.
• Preparing for and where appropriate participating in client meetings.
• Assist on tendering processes, creating responses to tenders and assisting with the administration aspects of tenders.
• Build strong and productive relationships with staff across the business, in all other offices.
• Assist on strategic business change and effectively manage the implementation of new practices and processes.
• Contribute to business wide process and systems change.

Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.

Your Profile: Essential

• Already an experienced and successful pension professional, you will have a strong track record in managing, developing and delivering DC pensions administration services.
• The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a very thorough knowledge of technical pension administration activities, including DC member related activities and the ability to apply this knowledge to any scheme.
• Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Contributions (DC) schemes, including handling complex DC queries is essential.
• You must have a good understanding of the governance requirements of a DC Scheme. Knowledge of the governance requirements of a DC Master Trust would be beneficial, but not essential.
• Proven experience in all areas of the new business lifecycle including formulating and assisting in the writing of proposals, preparing and delivering client pitches.
• Experience of operating within and contributing to a compliant framework, and a strong understanding of quality standards.
• Previous line management experience is essential, including appraisal process, HR issue management, performance management and recruitment related activities.
• IT proficient, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard.
• Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade B.
• APMI (or applicants deemed ‘qualified by experience’ would be considered).

What We Offer

Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days’ holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Participating in volunteering events is encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit applications via Apply Now option or contact ***email_hidden*** for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.

Equal Opportunities Statement

XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.

Eligibility

Any employment offer made will be conditional upon you satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, Employment or educational references, Satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK before an offer can be made. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.

Who Are We

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