Pension Administrator

Role Summary

SAAF Education is a trusted strategic partner to over 1,000 schools, academies, and trusts across the UK. We provide tailored support across finance, payroll, HR, supply, and internal scrutiny, helping educational leaders focus on what matters most teaching and learning.

As we continue to expand our payroll and pensions service, we are seeking a Pensions Administrator to join our growing team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely administration of Teachers' Pensions and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) submissions on behalf of our client schools and trusts. You'll provide specialist advice, maintain compliance with pension regulations, and ensure every client receives an outstanding level of service.

Key Responsibilities

• Process monthly Teachers' Pensions and LGPS submissions for multiple schools and academy trusts, ensuring full accuracy and compliance with statutory and scheme requirements.
• Administer pension changes for starters, leavers, and contract variations, including processing opt-ins, opt-outs, and Auto-Enrolment updates.
• Reconcile contribution schedules against payroll data, investigating and resolving discrepancies in line with scheme and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate and secure pension records on payroll systems and employer portals (e.g. Teachers' Pensions Employer Portal, LGPS systems).
• Prepare and submit annual returns (e.g. EOYC, LGPS Annual Returns) to ensure compliance with government and scheme deadlines.
• Liaise with Teachers' Pensions, Local Authority Pension Funds, HMRC, and clients to resolve queries efficiently and professionally.
• Monitor changes to pension legislation and scheme guidance, ensuring processes and advice remain compliant with the Academy Trust Handbook and statutory regulations.
• Support internal and external audit requests, providing reconciliations and evidence as required.
• Work collaboratively with Payroll, HR, and Finance colleagues to ensure pension data accuracy and end-to-end service delivery.
• Provide advice and guidance to schools on pension-related matters including Auto-Enrolment, contribution rates, and changes in conditions of service.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Knowledge

• CIPP or equivalent payroll/pensions qualification (desirable).
• Strong understanding of Teachers' Pensions and Local Government Pension Schemes (essential).
• Awareness of pay and conditions applicable to school staff under the Burgundy and Green Books. Good understanding of Auto-Enrolment, HMRC, and statutory pension regulations.
• Level 2 (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

Experience

• Experience in pension administration within education, local government, or a multi-employer payroll environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple client accounts and deadlines.
• Experience reconciling contributions, producing returns, and resolving complex pension queries.
• Experience using payroll software and employer pension portals.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High standard of customer service and communication.
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and payroll systems.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 with service.
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (mental health and wellbeing support).
• Friendly, supportive, and collaborative team culture.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• 24 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 based on length of service.
• Electric Car and Charge Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Qualification membership paid (CIPP, CIPD etc)
• Employee Assistance Programme - providing mental health & wellbeing support.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Nottingham NG4 2HF