Pensions Team Manager

Foster Wheeler ,
Knutsford, Cheshire

Overview

Job Description

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is looking for a driven individual who has the people management skills and good technical knowledge of the UK pensions market to lead a sizeable team that is responsible for the all aspects of pensions administration for a multi-billion pound defined benefits (DB) scheme and multi-million pound defined contribution (DC) scheme. The individual will have responsibility and accountability for the management of the team of twelve, their workloads and making sure they hit agreed deadlines, whilst ensuring they and the team are competent in the use of the Compendia software. This role will report into the Head of Pensions, and ideally demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence and collaborative skills to work across the internal and external stakeholder group whilst forming part of the pensions leadership team. Key focus areas for delivery include; * Providing expert advice and solutions to pensions queries; keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry * Input into the project management of annual and ad-hoc projects such as renewals, benefit statements, pension increases, trustees' reports and accounts. Ensuring projects are fully monitored and completed in line with legislation requirements * Involvement in the peer review of case work of other less experienced pensions administration team members * Disseminating information to team members on service delivery objectives and targets * Leading the project activities, conducting process audits, being alert to potential improvements in pensions administration processes, quality improvement and implementing changes * Assuming responsibility for total workflow management for the team, including workload allocation, prioritisation and ensuring delivery in line with Trustee expectations, legal timescales and service level agreements (SLAs). Holding regular workflow meetings with the Pensions Scheme Manager to manage progress and resolve any issues * Formal staff management responsibilities including areas such as; conducting appraisals, setting individual and team objectives, performance management issues, timesheet authorisation and recruitment related activities as and where required * Formal responsibilities for mentoring, training, coaching and developing of pensions administration team members. Ensuring adherence to company policies and working procedures * Forging strong working relationships with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company Skills / Qualifications * Extensive pension administration experience * 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 * Significant progression with/or have completed a relevant pensions qualification e.g. CPC/QPA/DPC/RPC/APMI (applicants deemed 'qualified by experience' would be considered). Knowledge, skills and experience: * Expert knowledge of pensions administration activities and apply this knowledge to any scheme * Previous pensions administration experience of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes including leavers, retirements, deaths, transfers, monthly processing and investment, benefit statements, renewals and pension increases. * Thorough knowledge of pensions legislation framework and demonstrable ability to remain informed of changes to the framework * Previous supervisory, leadership and management experience including performance monitoring, appraisals, recruitment etc Personal attributes: * Effective management skills including awareness of management processes and motivation of staff. Supports, motivates and coaches colleagues and shares knowledge to the benefit of the team and wider Company * Excellent interpersonal abilities, able to forge strong working relationships with colleagues * Excellent organisational and planning skills, both of self and other team members. Capable of anticipating, resolving and owning problems, identifying solutions to management as and when required Company Overview Wood is a global leader in the delivery of project, engineering and technical services to energy and industrial markets. We operate in more than 60 countries, employing around 60,000 people, with revenues of over 10 billion. We provide performance-driven solutions throughout the asset life cycle, from concept to decommissioning across a broad range of industrial markets, including the upstream, midstream and downstream oil & gas, power & process, environment and infrastructure, clean energy, mining, nuclear, and general industrial sectors. www.woodplc.com Diversity Statement We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-