Pensions Team Leader - London Borough of Harrow
(2025-05)
Reports to Pensions Manager. 6 direct reports. Assist the Pension Team Leader in the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme, Teachers' Pensions and the NHS Pension Scheme and implementing legislative changes to the Schemes in Harrow.
- Contribute towards the effective management of the £25m pensioners' payroll and the £50m Pension Fund income and expenditure budget.
- Performance manage the Pension Officers and Assistant, ensuring that all national and local service performance targets are met.
- Ensure that the unit's LGPS / Teachers' functions are delivered to a diverse client base in a timely, accurate and consistent manner, having regard for the special needs and requirements of the client.
- Act as lead officer in response to broad ranging, complex and occasionally contentious client enquiries.
- Supervise Pension Officers and Assistants in their duties.
- Ensure that HR practices and procedures are applied in the day-to-day administration of the unit.
- Assist the Pension Team Leader in developing the unit's service to a level of excellence.
- Ensure that the unit meets its statutory obligations prescribed under European, Central and Local Government legislation and Council policy.
- Ensure that the reconciliation of the pension fund is undertaken on a monthly basis and reconciled with accounting records in line with both the Council's financial regulations and the scheme of delegation.
Pensions Specialist - Lincolnshire County Council
(2024-08 - 2025-05)
Contract Role. Act as Pensions Expert to the management and wider team and provide support and assistance to all team members.
- Provide specialist information, interpretation and expert guidance to managers and staff at all levels on all aspects of the Pension Schemes.
- Provide accurate and timely provision of all estimates, pensionable pay, Additional years/Additional pension illustrations, pensionable service, contribution levels, effects of individuals planned changes, application processes, opting in and out of the scheme, leaving the scheme options and schemes regulations.
- Provide appropriate responses through the most effective communication method, written, e-mail, etc., to all higher-level complex queries that require the exercise of a greater specialist, theoretical knowledge and wider experience of Local Government, Teachers and Fire Pensions and pension legislation.
- Co-ordinate the triennial Auto re-enrolment process, ensuring accurate and timely management, and statutory compliance.
- Act as a local resource for expert/specialist knowledge of all aspects of pensions. This will include the analysis of areas such as employee's pensionable service and/or pensionable pay to resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate records and prepare written communications to the customer and other agencies to obtain information and in response to enquiries.
- Process all Pensions data including but not limited to variable deductions and payments, new starters and leavers including all retirements to meet pay cycle and pension scheme administrator deadlines, and the maintenance of complex pension related data and information.
- Process Pension data according to statutory requirements to meet monthly/yearly deadlines.
- Process of Pensions forms including but not limited to opt in and out outs, AVC and APC requests.
- Complete end of year processes to ensure all statutory requirements are met.
- Attend meetings with pension scheme representatives.
- Respond to pensions enquiries and complex queries from employees and scheme bodies.
- Keep up to date with all changes to the Pension Schemes, pensions legislation, pension provisions and developments in pensions (including automatic enrolment regulations), and to be aware of the implications on all aspects of employee's pensions.
- Ensure that documentation in respect of the Pension Schemes are maintained in respect of all employees and liaise with Pension Schemes on pension matters when required.
- Ensure that pension records initiated are maintained to the required standard.
- Research any new procedures/ changes introduced into the Pension Schemes so that up-to-date information is given to stakeholders.
Senior Pensions Officer - London Borough of Tower Hamlets
(2020-11 - 2023-09)
- Expertly managed the Agresso payment system to process payments for pensioners and issue refunds
- Conducted thorough checks on the work of my colleagues, both senior and junior, to ensure quality and accuracy
- Collaborated closely with upper management, providing them with timely updates on the administrative team's performance
- Liaised with external parties to ensure full compliance with the regulations set forth by the Pensions Regulator
- Calculated accurate figures for pensioners, refunds, deferred benefits, estimates, and transfers, strictly adhering to pension scheme legislation
- Responsible for setting up and managing payroll, ensuring all obligations were meticulously met
- Established and maintained open communication channels, fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders
- Led the training and development of new team members, guiding them to meet our high standards
- Efficiently allocated and delegated tasks to ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) were consistently achieved within deadlines
Fitness consultant - London Lifestyle Training
(2018-07 - 2020-11)
Founded London Lifestyle Training, a health and fitness initiative focused on improving lifestyle choices through personalized training programs and community engagement
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business plan, securing funding, selecting strategic locations, and establishing a brand presence in the competitive London fitness market
- Led a team of certified personal trainers and nutritionists, providing leadership, professional development, and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery
- Designed and launched targeted marketing campaigns that successfully increased membership enrollment by 150% within the first year
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses and health organizations to co-host events, workshops, and wellness fairs, enhancing community outreach and brand visibility
- Managed day-to-day operations, including member services, staff scheduling, equipment maintenance, and facility management, ensuring a seamless customer experience
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting, expense tracking, and revenue forecasting, maintaining profitability and financial health
- Implemented a client feedback system to gather insights and adapt services to meet evolving client needs, leading to a 95% client satisfaction rate
- Navigated the business through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly adapting to online training sessions, thereby retaining over 80% of the client base
- Continuously researched and incorporated cutting-edge fitness trends and health guidelines into training programs, keeping the services innovative and scientifically sound
Pensions Officer - London Borough of Redbridge
(2017-06 - 2018-03)
- Utilized I–Connect interface to upload and reconcile monthly schedules in the Altair system efficiently
- Managed the amalgamation of pension records, ensuring data integrity and continuity.
- Oversaw pension records for 23 Admitted Bodies, guaranteeing accuracy and regulatory compliance
- Served as the primary point of contact for Admitted Bodies, delivering excellent customer service
- Performed precise calculations for refunds, deferred benefits, estimates, and transfers, strictly adhering to pension scheme legislation
Pensions Officer - Surrey County Council
(2016-08 - 2017-06)
- Ensured meticulous accuracy of member records within the Local Government Pension Scheme and the Fire Pension schemes, using the pension software system
- Maintained strict compliance with legislative requirements and data protection standards for pension schemes
- Calculated precise figures for refunds, deferred benefits, estimates, and transfers, adhering to pension scheme legislation
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing shifting priorities to meet customer needs and deliver services within legislative timelines and team KPIs
- Actively participated in team dynamics, including attending meetings, contributing to training events, and offering support to colleagues, which facilitated the efficient operation of our section
Team Manager - AXA Assistance
(2015-10 - 2016-08)
In my role, I've prioritized efficient claims management, ensuring customers consistently receive outstanding service. As a team leader/manager, I've demonstrated a successful track record in driving results and persistently seeking ways to enhance performance and process efficiency within the claims department.
- Recognized as an excellent communicator, I'm adept at influencing and asserting my opinions across all organizational levels
