UK Research and Innovation
Salary: £36,650 per annum
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire.
Closing date: 06/01/25
Delivery Manager (band D) – Pensioners Team - JSS
About JSS
JSS (Joint Superannuation Services) is responsible for the operational in-house administration of the Research Councils’ Pension Scheme (RCPS). The team deals with everything from the enrolment and joining of new members to retirements and managing pensions in payment, as well as managing the finances of the scheme, member communications, and our website. JSS is part of the Reward Team in UK Research & Innovation’s (UKRI) HR function. We’re a friendly close-knit team of 16, where everyone can feel supported and encouraged to share ideas and work to the best of their ability. We value respect and integrity and offer a flexible and empathetic work environment.
The role is mainly office-based, at the UKRI office in Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon (behind Swindon New College-North Star Campus). There is the opportunity for hybrid working once you are fully competent in the role; this will not exceed two days per week due to the nature of the role.
The RCPS
The RCPS is a multi-employer unfunded defined benefit public sector pension scheme. There are 16 employers participating in the scheme who account for approximately 6,000 active members. There are also 15,000 pensioners and 11,000 preserved members, totaling a customer base of 32,000 members. More information about JSS and the Scheme can be found at http://jsspensions.nerc.ac.uk/.
Job Description
This role is in the Pensioner Services section of the team. This is a small team of five people that collectively manage the pensions for around 26,000 pensioners and deferred members (those that are yet to retire); four administrators and their Delivery Manager – this role.
You will be managing a team of four pension administrators. You will support, develop, and train them, carrying out regular reviews and appraisals in line with UKRI performance management policies and practices. You will be responsible for checking and authorising payments, up to £100,000 ensuring a ‘right first time’ approach is adhered to. You will support your team with complex cases. You will work closely with other colleagues and managers in JSS and play an active part in several critical annual activities, for example, the annual pension increase where we uprate the pensions for c. 15,000 pensioners. You will be responsible for your team performance and their achievements against the departmental Key Performance Indicators (KPI).
High Level Responsibilities:
* Deliver or facilitate the training/development of Administrators to ensure appropriate knowledge and skills are in place to perform the role effectively, also ensuring appropriate development plans are in place and being followed
* Carry out annual appraisals, setting, agreeing, and regularly reviewing objectives
* Carry out one-to-one meetings with direct reports
* Involvement in recruitment, interviewing, selection etc.
* Lead team meetings and contribute to wider team/group meetings
* Review and approve all pension estimates, awards, and payments to pensioners and other benefit recipients, including authorising lump sum payments in line with delegated authority levels.
* Deal with escalated queries, ensuring that those opportunities are used to help develop your team. This will involve dealing with members, pensioners, other pension providers, and HR staff as applicable
* Have a good understanding of the RCPS pension scheme and know how and where to obtain the relevant support. Work with other Managers to ensure the achievement of key annual activities, for example, the annual pension increase, periodic pension payroll checks
* Continually look to improve or change processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness; reviewing SOPS, guidance/desk notes
* Lead the annual NFI audits and contribute to other audits carried out within JSS
* Ensure a good standard of service is provided at all times.
* Support your team to achieve the relevant KPI, putting in place interventions where needed. Monitor casework to ensure activities are completed on time.
Person Specification
Essential skills or experience
* Experience of working within a small team, contributing to overall department targets and KPIs (S & I)
* Excellent prioritising and self-organisation skills with the ability to plan ahead and manage time effectively and efficiently (S & I)
* Good written and verbal communication skills (S & I)
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy (S & I)
* Ability to lead, manage, and input on projects and activities (S & I)
* Experience of identifying and implementing process improvements (S & I)
* Experience of dealing with public authority bodies, i.e., Pensions Regulator, Police, solicitors, government offices (S)
* Experience of dealing with escalated queries/complaints (S & I)
* Experience of working in a customer service environment providing pension services (S & I)
* Experience of working on public service defined benefit pension schemes (or similar) (S)
* Desire to learn, grow, and develop your skills and abilities (I)
Desirable skills or experience
* Experience of leading, developing, supporting, and managing people (I)
* Knowledge of JSS systems and pension database or equivalent systems (S/I)
* Familiarity with DB and DC pensions and awareness of pension regulations (S/I)
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
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