Head of SSAS Operations

**Overview of WBR Group**

WBR Group is a leading provider of Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS) administration, actuarial, law and tax advisory services. With a focus on delivering excellent outcomes for business owners, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and families, WBR Group offers personalised and proactive administration services for their clients.

**Role Summary**

Working closely within a senior management team providing solutions to business requirements. Daily operational responsibility to direct, manage and support a number of SSAS Pension team managers and their teams and working with the other Heads of Operations so that business, departmental and individual objectives are achieved whilst ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and Company governance standards.

**Key Accountabilities**

Direct, manage and support a number of SSAS operation team managers who are in turn responsible for a team of SSAS client associates (where appropriate).

Communicate effectively with all team members in a timely, clear, and concise manner and using the most appropriate communication method in the circumstances.

Lead, motivate and empower others whilst providing all staff with development opportunities, coaching and support, delivered through a proactive hands-on approach via appropriate scheme related and legislative training and assessments to complement processes and procedures across all administration sites within requirements identified by senior management. Ensure there is suitable coaching support for team members in complex scheme related matters. Providing mentoring and appropriate support for complex SSAS related issues.

Manage performance, development, absence, disciplinary matters, conflict resolution and team issues promptly, impartially, fairly, and effectively in line with Company policies, procedures, and culture.

Establish mechanisms that encourage the generation of team spirit, ideas, and suggestions, recognising the contribution of others, which improve overall business performance and processes. Role model the WBR group values and drive the cultural changes required to become the best SSAS provider in the market by driving the customer centric and people driven organisation proposition.

Work with the wider senior management team to identify and contain areas of actual and potential client risk (which may include but are not limited to reputational, financial, legislative, ethical, insurance, bad debt, property issues, re-registrations, etc) and have continuous awareness of concerns over workloads and any team or staff issues, overseeing their solution as appropriate. Liaise with other business areas as appropriate in line with procedural requirements.

Identify and organise available resource and capacity within SSAS teams, including highlighting resource and gaps in training requirements to line manager. Submit appropriate business cases for resource requirements and conduct interviews, as necessary.

Conduct team meetings and direct reports 1-2-1’s as appropriate in a professional and effective manner. Manage and conduct probationary, mid-year and annual reviews within the business area in accordance with Company policies and timeframes. Review and calibrate departmental rating submissions with line manager.

Work with Team Managers to identify, produce and submit suitable cases for promotional progression, in line with budgetary submissions to senior management.

Provide guidance to teams on the overall strategic direction of the department. Work with senior management to manage change and growth within the SSAS teams and communicate future changes appropriately and positively.

Ensure that self and team members’ working practices comply with regulatory, compliance and legislative requirements. Awareness of and adherence to Company procedures and policies.

Manage and oversee SSAS team’s workflow, activities, and output in line with business objectives, good working practices, procedures, legislation, regulatory requirements, SLAs, and other deadlines, proactively highlighting any issues to line manager. Produce MI as and when required on operational activities or allocated projects and review MI and streamline processes to identify where procedures can be improved, simplified, or streamlined for the customer journey and cost efficiency drivers,

Manage the ongoing delivery of customer service activities through an approach underpinned by quality and excellence, working by example in line with Company values. Proactively seek opportunities for organisational improvement of service standards, in agreement with line manager.

Manage all aspects of the acquired SSAS books in accordance with the contractual terms and including the required contractual reporting requirements.

Monitor payment of SSAS fees and follow Company procedures for debt recovery and crediting fees.

Identify and assist in the documentation and implementation of new processes and procedures in agreement with line manag