Pensions Administration Manager
In Sutton, there is much for us to be proud of both as a council and as a borough. This includes high levels of resident satisfaction, the quality of our services, our success in addressing our financial challenges to date, the way that we involve and engage with residents on key issues facing the borough, and the enthusiastic and motivated staff that we employ.
Looking ahead, there are plans for the delivery of new homes and new schools and the London Cancer Hub is being developed, while the Council is also seen as a driving force within the South London Partnership of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration and investment.
All of this demonstrates a good track record and an authority that is ambitious and set to deliver more improvements for the borough. We've set out our vision for the future of Sutton in our corporate plan - Ambitious for Sutton. This strategic plan will shape the outcomes we achieve, the services we provide, and the impact we have on residents, to make Sutton a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Situated in Zone 5, Sutton is less than 30 minutes by train from central London, and south and south west London are easily accessible by public transport. There are 10 train stations which serve key neighbourhoods within the borough providing direct connections to London Victoria, London Bridge, London Blackfriars and St Pancras International. Sutton also has direct rail connections with Epsom, Dorking, Guildford and Horsham, as well as Wimbledon for an interchange with the London Underground and West Croydon for the London Overground. There’s also an extensive road network which provides close and easy access to the M25 and M23.
About the Role
Sutton Council is seeking an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Pensions Administration Manager in its shared service with Kingston Council. The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) administration for the two Pension Funds, including:
management and leadership of 18 people, including direct line management of two experienced deputies;
embedding high service standards to deliver the best customer experience and actively drive continuous improvement;
embrace technology to streamline processes and increase self-service;
take reports and represent the shared service at Local Pension Boards and Committees; and
overseeing the production and publication of the annual benefit statements and other key annual and ad-hoc projects.
About Us
The shared pensions administration service for Sutton Council and Kingston Council was formed on 1 April 2016 and provides its services to circa 30,000 scheme members and in excess of 100 scheme employers.
Our aim is to provide members and employers with an accurate, timely and member-focused service. To help deliver this, we have begun to increase the team’s resources and invest in technology, however, there is more to be done. Alongside the Head of Insurance and Pensions Administration, the successful candidate will complete the team’s transformation and make sure it’s ready to meet the current and future challenges that face LGPS Pension Funds.
About You
As a key member of the Business Services unit management team you will have proven leadership skills and the ability to engage and inspire members of your team. You will embrace technology and innovation as ways to improve the service.
You will ideally have a thorough understanding of the regulatory framework of the LGPS but consideration will be given to candidates who can demonstrate wider pensions administration knowledge and the drive and ability to quickly establish a good understanding of the LGPS.
Given the number of annual and one-off projects facing LGPS administration teams, project management experience would be beneficial.
Candidates will need to evidence their approach to performance management and how they manage competing priorities both personally and on behalf of the service.
You will be able to write formal reports and manage various stakeholders across the two Pension Funds, including senior officers and politicians.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across - however big or small - will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team.
In addition, we offer a modern and flexible working environment for our staff, supported by our IT infrastructure, including Google Chromebooks and Google Apps.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits, some of which include:
Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)
Flexi-time (Please note, this applies to roles at grades 1-9 only)
Comprehensive learning and development programme
Local and national discounts for shopping, eating out and leisure activities
Interest free season ticket loans
Local Government Pension Scheme
Car parking scheme
Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
Zip car scheme
Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
Subsidised gym membership
Application Process
Please apply online outlining what skills, abilities and experience you can bring which makes you an ideal candidate for this role. Please ensure you refer to the requirements outlined in the job profile when completing your application.
To support our diversity agenda and reduce the risk of bias in our recruitment activities, our short listing process completely anonymises personal information that can identify job applicants e.g. name, title etc. Our hiring managers review and short list applications based on the information provided as part of your application as to how well you meet the requirements and criteria for the role, as outlined in the job profile.
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Additional Information
We pride ourselves on being a diverse, inclusive and welcoming Borough and we aim to create a workforce which reflects the community we serve. We are respectful of difference and realise the positive value of diversity in our workforce. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and disabled candidates, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce. As part of our Disability Confident Committed status, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role.
We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks who help drive our diversity agenda.
The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
COVID-19 Information
Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change. Due to the ongoing situation, interviews for short listed candidates will take place virtually through video technology for the foreseeable future.
The majority of staff will also continue to work from home, where possible, in line with Government Guidance.