Pension Officer (SAMpeople)

Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 (depending on experience)

Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Remote, UK

About Us

We provides impactful products and services to help schools and over 100 MATs manage their people effectively. Our vision is to create better futures for children through innovative people solutions. We pride ourselves on being unconventional, result-driven, and heart-led.

About the Role

We are looking for an experience Pension Officer to provide expert pension administration support to payroll officers delivering payroll and pension services to education sector clients. The pension officer will ensure the accurate processing, reporting and compliance of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Teachers’ Pensions Scheme (TPS) in line with scheme regulations, client contracts and statutory deadlines.

Key responsibilities:

Pension administration support:

• Support payroll officers in administering LGPS and TPS for schools, academies and multi academy trusts
• Process and verify pension data for starters, leavers, opt out, opt ins, transfers, and retirements
• Ensure accurate calculation and deduction of pension contributions via payroll
• Prepare and submit monthly and annual pension data returns to TPS and relevant LGPS funds
• Reconcile contribution payments and resolve data or payment discrepancies
• Maintain pension records and ensure all data is accurate and up to date in payroll and pensions portal (e.g. iConnect, TPS portal)

Compliance & Record keeping:

• Support monitoring of contribution rates, pensionable pay, and compliance with auto enrolment legislation
• Support the completion of audit and year end reporting for education clients
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails for all pension activities
• Keep up to date with changes in pension regulations and employer responsibilities

Client & Team Support:

• Provide guidance to payroll officers and clients on pension scheme rules, data requirements and compliance issues
• Liaise with LGPS fund administrators, TPS and clients to resolve queries
• Support the payroll and pension manager in improving processes and ensuring service delivery standards are met

Essential:

• Experience working with LGPS and Teachers’ Pensions within an education or payroll environment
• Strong understanding of UK public sector pension rules and payroll processes
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail in handling large volumes of data
• Good numeracy and IT skills, including use of payroll and pension administration software
• Strong communication and customer service skills, with a professional approach
• Ability to manage priorities and meet strict deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience working in a third party payroll or education support services provider
• Knowledge of auto-enrolment and pension compliance
• Working towards or holding a relevant qualification (e.g. CIPP, pension administration training)

Personal attributes:

• Proactive and supportive team player
• Service-oriented and client focused, particularly within education sector clients
• Analytical and methodical in resolving data or contribution issues
• Adaptable to changing client needs and legislative requirements
• Committed to maintain confidentiality and professional standards

Key Performance Indicators:

• Accuracy and timeliness of LPGS and TPS processing and submissions
• Compliance with statutory and scheme deadlines
• Positive feedback from education sector clients, payroll teams and pension funds
• Successful audit outcomes and error resolution rates.

We offer a supportive environment where wellbeing and professional growth are prioritised. Benefits include:

• Leave: 24 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, plus your birthday off.
• Health: BUPA Healthcare Cashback Plan and free flu vaccines.
• Perks: Free on-site parking, free barista coffee, fresh fruit, and weekly snacks.
• Flexibility: Hybrid working options and time off for special events (nativities, graduations, etc.).
• Development: A clear career pathway from the moment you join.