Administration Manager

Description:

XPS Pensions Group, the UK’s largest pure pensions consultancy, is seeking a Deputy Administration Manager to join their award-winning administration team based in Reading. With over 2000 employees across 15 nationwide locations, XPS delivers expert pension advice and administration services to more than 1600 pension schemes and over 1,000,000 members. This role provides the opportunity to work in a vibrant, inclusive, and hybrid environment at an organization listed on the London Stock Exchange.

As a Deputy Administration Manager, you will play a crucial leadership role within the pensions administration department, ensuring the efficient and accurate delivery of Defined Contribution (DC) scheme services. You will oversee daily operations, support team development, and uphold the high-quality standards that define XPS Group’s client services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the completion of DC administration activities including leavers, retirements, transfers, and death cases.

• Monitor team accuracy, performance, and service levels, taking proactive action to meet all targets.

• Liaise closely with Administration Managers for performance appraisals, training plans, and development meetings.

• Conduct appraisals, regular check-ins, and mentoring sessions with team members, especially those on probation.

• Identify training and development needs within the team to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

• Ensure accurate time recording and billing for chargeable and non-chargeable tasks.

• Handle problem-solving within the administration team, providing timely and effective solutions.

• Prepare, check, and issue administration billing and update internal systems, schedules, and spreadsheets.

• Oversee daily workflow to maintain efficient, high-quality service and conduct regular meetings with senior staff.

• Contribute to marketing, new business efforts, and client presentations or pitches.

• Provide expert advice and technical support on pensions queries while keeping up to date with regulatory and legislative changes.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of pensions administration, especially within Defined Contribution (DC) schemes.

• Strong understanding of current pensions legislation, regulatory frameworks, and the Pensions & Finance Acts.

• Proven supervisory or workflow management experience, including recruitment, appraisals, and team performance oversight.

• Strong IT proficiency — especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Third-party pensions administration experience preferred, though in-house experience with strong analytical and problem-solving focus will be considered.

• Excellent communication, mentoring, and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

• Presentational experience desirable (for trustee meetings or new business pitches).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with annual discretionary bonus.

• 25 days’ annual leave with buy/sell flexibility.

• Pension matching, life assurance, and healthcare plans.

• Flexible benefits scheme and employee assistance program.

• Digital GP service and retailer discounts.

• Paid volunteer days to support community involvement.

• Employee referral bonuses for recommending suitable candidates.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

XPS Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from all individuals regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, XPS ensures all employees have access to supportive and accessible work environments.

Eligibility:

All employment offers are subject to satisfactory DBS checks, employment/education references, credit checks, and eligibility to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available for this position.