Pensions Administrator

Salary: 25,842 per annum.

Band: UKRI Band B.

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months).

Hours: Full-time (flexible working available).

Location: Polaris House, Swindon - Regular office attendance is required, hybrid working available once fully trained.

Closing Date: Sunday 21st June 2026.

About JSS and the RCPS

JSS (Joint Superannuation Services) is responsible for the operational in-house administration of the Research Councils Pension Scheme (RCPS). The team deal with everything from the enrolment and joining of new members to retirements and then managing pensions in payment, as well as managing the finances of the scheme, member communications and our website. JSS are part of the Reward Team in UK Research & Innovations (UKRI) HR function. Were 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 compassionate work environment.

The role is predominantly 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, but this will not exceed two days per week due to the nature of the job.

The Research Councils Pension Scheme (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 5,000 active members. There are also 16,000 pensioners and 10,000 preserved members, in total a customer base of 31,000 members. More information about JSS and the Scheme can be found at http://jsspensions.nerc.ac.uk/.

Purpose of the role

We are looking for an experienced administrator to join our small pensions team where you will play a key part in the provision of excellent service to our large and varied customer base.

The role is in the service delivery side of JSS working in an administrative capacity predominantly providing a service to active and pensioner scheme members. Tasks are varied and require exceptional attention to detail with a keen eye for accuracy and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. Some prior knowledge of pensions would be useful but is not essential as full training will be provided.

The role requires all processes and activities to be completed within the service levels and expected standards specified in JSS Pension Scheme Administration Standards. You will be liaising with scheme members, their relatives, employers HR departments, payroll agencies and other third-party support companies on sometimes sensitive matters. You will typically work alongside other Membership Administrators and Pensioner Administrators as well as being expected to work with Managers and Senior Managers in JSS as required.

Your responsibilities

• Enrol new joiners into the pension scheme.
• Process pension forms and requests from members/pensioners/employers.
• Updating and maintaining information in the pension database, for example; address changes, change of name, change of hours, opt outs, death benefit and partner nominations.
• Calculate pension estimates and awards for retirees, early leavers, redundancy, etc. and where required deal with payroll/employer contacts regarding queries.
• Requesting/returning files to the off-site storage facility.
• Deal with enquiries (telephone, email and written) from a wide range of people including members, pensioners, solicitors and relatives.
• Liaise with employers as well as third party companies for payroll and finance payments.
• Communicate standard pension information, as required, to members.
• Ensure service level agreements are achieved in the processing of queries and administrative aspects and that data is processed in line with the relevant regulations, e.g. GDPR.
• The job holder will also be encouraged to contribute to identifying and improving processes as well as improving the service provided by JSS. They will also assist colleagues with other work as appropriate and carry out ad-hoc activities as required by the JSS management team.

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail (S&I).
• Excellent prioritising and self-organisation skills with ability to plan ahead (S&I).
• Ability to follow detailed instructions (S&I).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (I).
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal (I).
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office products, i.e. Outlook, Excel, Word (S).
• Experience of working in a customer service environment (S&I).