Implementation Manager

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Implementation Manager

Reading

Hybrid/Remote

Full Time

Permanent

Ref: REQ002657

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 Pensions Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Implementation Manager to join our vibrant Reading office with hybrid/remote working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar technical role where they have gained experience of leading a team, and experience of working within an administration team as a uder, or a system support position 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.

Learn more here: https://www.xpsgroup.com/what-we-do/administration/]

The Role

As an Implementation Manager you will be working closely with the BSG management group to achieve the company objectives, and line managing a diverse group of subject matter experts as part of the larger Data and Calculations team. Your responsibilities will include:

Line Management:

• Oversee daily operations of your team, handling:
  • Administrative tasks like managing annual leave and absences.
  • Setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, and appraisals.
  • Identifying and facilitating training needs, mentoring, and development of team members.
  • Motivating and coaching to enhance team and company performance.
  • Participating in recruitment, including interviewing potential candidates.
  • Ensuring team activities are aligned with efficient and effective service delivery.

Ownership of Team Workstreams:

• You will manage specific workstreams, potentially including:
  • Development and maintenance of scheme calculation coding in C# for the Calculate app.
  • Key stakeholder management both within and outside the company.
  • Reviewing and auditing team processes.

Improvement of Administration Systems and Tools:

• Serve as an expert on the Calculate platform and similar technologies, driving improvements:
  • Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to refine products and processes.
  • Implement technological solutions to improve efficiency and functionality.

Aurora Scheme Installations:

• Oversee or directly contribute to the installation of new pension scheme calculations on the Aurora platform:
  • Advise on the best solutions for client needs.
  • Participate in new business discussions and client meetings.
  • Manage relationships with third-party suppliers involved in the process.

Support for Existing Clients:

• • Manage technical support for ongoing projects, including:
    • Maintaining and enhancing calculation automation in C#.
    • Setting up new processes or features as schemes evolve post-initial setup.

Your profile

Essential Criteria

• Leadership experience within a team environment.
• Background in pension administration or system support, understanding of IT systems like Calculate.
• IT proficient - particularly beneficial if familiar with C# or SQL.
• Exceptional organisational and strategic planning abilities.
• Strong stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• High level of responsibility and ownership over work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office for documentation and management.
• Team player with the ability to work across different disciplines.
• Flexibility in handling work pressures with a problem-solving mindset.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and deadlines.
• Customer-focused approach, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Strong academic background or equivalent experience.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working with common pension administration systems and third-party IT suppliers is desirable e.g. PenScope, Compendia, ProFund.
• Understanding of programming languages such as Visual Basic is not required but may be beneficial.

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.