Senior Pensions Projects Specialist

Spence & Partners Ltd.; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services firm is seeking a Senior Pensions Projects Specialist in Belfast to manage complex pension projects. The successful candidate will have at least five years of experience in Defined Benefit pension administration and possess strong technical knowledge of UK pensions legislation. Responsibilities include supporting Buy-ins, managing project budgets, and maintaining accurate member records. This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to perform under pressure, ensuring high standards of service for clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in Defined Benefit pension administration.
• Strong knowledge of UK pensions legislation and regulation.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage specialist pension projects effectively and efficiently.
• Support Buy-ins and Buy-outs including data preparation.
• Conduct benefit audit analysis and engage with stakeholders.

Skills

Defined Benefit pension administration

Technical knowledge of DB schemes

Microsoft Office proficiency

Communication skills

Proactive mindset

Tools

Pension administration systems

Job description

About Us

At Spence & Partners (part of 3173 Group), we’re on a mission to simplify and enhance the pensions industry. We believe in delivering smarter, more effective solutions that help pension schemes thrive. Since our founding in 2000, we’ve earned a reputation for practical and innovative advice, with a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes.

About You

We’re growing our Projects team and are looking for a Senior Pensions Projects Specialist who wants to make a real impact in a fast-moving, award-winning organisation. This is an opportunity to build a meaningful career while working on complex, high-value pension projects that shape outcomes for our clients and their members.

You’ll take ownership of a varied portfolio of project work, collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, and help deliver excellent service across all aspects of defined benefit pension administration.

About You

You’re ambitious, curious, and motivated by solving complex challenges. You enjoy working with people, contribute positively to team culture, and communicate clearly both in writing and in person.

You’re highly organised, proactive, and calm under pressure. You take pride in accuracy, have great attention to detail, and want to build strong relationships with colleagues, Trustees, insurers, and other project partners.

You enjoy developing your knowledge and want to grow both personally and professionally.

Responsibilities & Criteria

As a Senior Pensions Specialist in our Projects team, you will play a key role in the delivery and management of specialist pension projects. Your work will include:

• Supporting Buy-ins and Buy-outs, including data preparation, insurer engagement, and transition activities
• Conducting benefit audit analysis and rectification
• Managing data analysis, cleansing, and rectification activity
• Leading on GMP reconciliation, rectification, and equalisation
• Supporting legal and technical reviews (e.g., benefit specifications, equalisation guidance)
• Overseeing data preparation and transfer projects, including to the PPF or insurers
• Maintaining accurate and compliant member records
• Setting clear timelines and tracking delivery milestones
• Supporting and managing project budgets
• Attending Trustee meetings and providing updates
• Contributing to day-to-day administration as needed
• Supporting scheme calculation testing and quality assurance
• Acting as a subject-matter specialist or supporting junior team members
• You will manage your own portfolio of clients and projects, ensuring work is delivered to high standards and within required service levels.

Key Criteria

• At least five years’ experience in Defined Benefit pension administration
• Strong technical knowledge of DB schemes, UK pensions legislation, regulation and codes of practice
• Confident use of Microsoft Office and pension administration systems
• Experience delivering both ad-hoc and annual pension projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment, balancing accuracy with deadlines

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of and experience with GMP Reconciliation / Equalisation calculations
• Practical knowledge of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF)

Circumstances

• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week with additional hours as and when required.
• Location: UK-wide with opportunity available in Belfast, Manchester or Glasgow
• All roles are subject to a six-month probationary period and all prospective employees are required to complete an Access NI check.
• As part of the pre-hire process the successful candidate will be subject to reference checking security vetting.
• 3173 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applying with a disability or long-term health condition?

As part of our belief that we benefit from the differences among us, we are committed to increasing the representation of disabled colleagues and want to remove any barriers or challenges that get in the way of candidates with a disability or long-term health condition from applying to work with us. As part of this commitment, we guarantee to automatically interview anyone with a disability who meets the minimum criteria.

If there is support or an adjustment that we can provide to enable you to be at your best during the recruitment and selection process, we encourage you to advise us in good time so that we may make suitable arrangements. We understand that being open with us may feel uncomfortable so please only share with us the information that you are comfortable to share, and rest assured that we will use this only to provide you with the right support.

Any information you give us will be treated completely confidentially. To discuss this further please call evidence: 028 9041 2000 and ask to speak to a member of the People team.