Client Relationship Manager

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Client Relationship Manager - DB Pension Schemes

Senior Consultant

London

Remote

Full Time

Permanent

Ref: 002609

XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential .

Our Client Management business continues to grow and we are now looking for a professional and experienced Client Relationship Manager to join our vibrant office with remote or hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar Client Relationship Manager role where they have gained knowledge and experience of Defined Benefit pensions schemes, technical skills and managing client relationships within the pensions industry.

A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.

Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work - Everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It's about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they're happy. Above all, it's about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued. Because they are.

The Team

Our award-winning pensions administration business puts scheme members at the heart of everything we do. Our services include scheme administration, first-time outsourcing, member communications and scam protection.

The Role

As a Client Relationship Manager with XPS you will:

• Be responsible for the administration service to a portfolio of existing clients and for the development of new business opportunities.
• Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness delivery of client work to agreed deadlines to comply with legislative and clients' requirements.
• Day to day management of client relationships with trustees, scheme members and corporate clients.
• Preparing for and where appropriate participating in trustee meetings.
• Managing complex pensions queries and pensions consultative advice.
• Managing ad-hoc projects and exercises, e.g. scheme closure, data audit reports, liability reduction exercises. Ensuring projects are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
• Monitoring on going procedural developments and implementing changes to procedures where required.
• Contributing to technical administration discussions.
• Managing the administration billing process.
• Keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry.
• Working closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Support.
• Managing new business tenders and presentations.
• Due to the changing nature of the business, you may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within your capabilities.

Your profile

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience as Client Relationship role with extensive experience working within the administration business of a third party pensions administrator. The role requires a combination of strong technical skills and the ability to manage client relationships at a senior level.
• Must be able to demonstrate a very thorough knowledge of pension administration activities and the ability to apply this knowledge to any scheme.
• Previous CRM experience of both Defined Contributions (DC) and Defined Benefits (DB) schemes is preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate a very wide and deep knowledge of the various key areas of pensions legislation including pensions taxation, contracting out and preservation.
• Proven experience of handling complex member queries and calculations is essential.
• Previous presentational experience is required in order to lead in client meetings and new business presentations.
• Previous project management experience would be required to perform pension administration project based work.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
• Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard.
• Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification
• APMI (or deemed 'qualified by experience').
• Sound commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• An ability to support colleagues and share knowledge to the benefit of the team and/or wider Company.
• An ability to digest complex technical information and present it to clients and colleagues in a clear and simplified manner relevant to them.

What we offer:

Find out more about Life at XPS

Find out more about Our People Approach

We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include:

• Competitive salary
• Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
• Flexible Bank holidays
• Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
• Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
• XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
• Access to a digital GP service
• Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
• Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS

What next:

If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.

Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.

If you do not feel ready to apply or still have questions, please email us by clicking here

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:

• Right to Work confirmation
• DBS Disclosure check
• Employment or educational references covering five years
• Satisfactory credit check

We continuously strive to build an inclusive workplace where all forms of diversity are valued, including age, background, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or sexual orientation.

Please note we reserve the right to close our vacancies early and we only accept CVs direct from candidates or our preferred supplier list.

XPS try wherever possible to respond to all applicants if for any reason you have not heard from us within 28 days of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.