We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Pensions Manager to lead our dedicated Pensions Team within the Employee Support section. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of pension services across the Council, schools, and commercial clients, covering LGPS, NHS, and Teachers’ Pension Schemes.

As Pensions Manager, you will oversee a team of Pensions Officers and Assistants, ensuring compliance with legislation, delivering accurate calculations, and driving continuous improvement in service delivery. You will also play a key role in shaping pension policy, managing projects, and supporting strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Pensions Team, ensuring high standards and clear service objectives.
• Interpret and implement pension legislation and policy updates.
• Ensure compliance with Auto Enrolment and all relevant pension schemes.
• Liaise with external bodies including LGPS, NHS Pensions, and Teachers’ Pensions.
• Manage pension calculations, capital cost budgets, and policy development.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and stakeholders.
• Deputise for the Service Manager Employee Support when required.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

• Proven experience managing a pensions function, ideally within a local authority.
• Strong knowledge of pension scheme regulations and employment law.
• Experience working with HR/Payroll systems such as Midland iTrent.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• A proactive, detail-oriented approach with the ability to manage sensitive cases with empathy.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with Local Government terms and conditions (Blue Book, Green Book, Teachers’ Pay).
• Strong understanding of annual and monthly pension returns processes.

Why Join Us:

You’ll be part of a supportive team that values innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. Your role will directly impact the smooth running of council operations, making a real difference in maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance.

If you're ready to take on a dynamic role in a fast-paced environment, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today and be a key part of our mission to maintain and enhance the Council’s HR and Payroll systems and associated processes

What we offer:

Fantastic terms and conditions; local government pension scheme, enhanced sick pay scheme and family friendly leave with pay, agile/flexible working opportunities and access to occupational health services.

Generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days increasing to 33 days after 5 years continual service in addition to 8 bank holidays.

A supportive, collaborative working culture

Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development

The chance to make a lasting impact in a forward-thinking local authority

Closing Date: 6^th August 2025

Interviews to be held 13^th and 14^th August 2025

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.