Assistant Pensions Manager

Join Howdens Joinery as an Assistant Pensions Manager at our office in Wigmore Street, Central London. Due to an internal promotion, we are seeking an individual well-versed in both DB and DC pension schemes, skilled in relationship-building, and committed to proactive support for the Company and the DB Trustee Board. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with the Pensions Manager, overseeing daily operations, spearheading projects, and serving as a subject matter expert to the Trustee and wider business. The team is also responsible for the group life assurance provided by the company.
Our current DC arrangement is a Group Flexible Retirement Plan which has a Governance Committee responsible for the review of the plan's operation. You will also work closely with this Committee.
Your responsibilities will encompass supplier management, resolving pension-related matters, and bolstering Trustee and Company pensions governance.
What will I be doing as an Assistant Pensions Manager?

• You'll play a crucial role in supporting the Pensions Manager and deputising when needed with senior stakeholders up to Executive level.
• Take ownership of collating meeting papers, delivering packs, and confidently presenting governance updates to our Trustee and Committees.
• Manage minutes, action logs, and liaise with stakeholders for timely task completion.
• Lead GMP equalisation and other working groups, project-manage initiatives, and collaborate with the Pensions Manager to align the board with governance standards.
• Interrogate member data and plan and deliver employee communications, including on site member presentations and workshops in various locations.
• Oversee the annual Trustee Report & Accounts, review service providers, and stay abreast of regulatory developments. This will include the DB Plan's ESOG and ORA.
• Collating information for death in service cases and presenting information to the discretions committee for payment of benefits, administering claims with the insurer and arranging payments to beneficiaries. These cases can require sensitive conversations with bereaved relatives.

What do I need to qualify for this Assistant Pensions Manager role?

• Solid understanding of DB and DC pensions schemes.
• Demonstrable in-house or consulting experience ideally in a multi-site, high-volume business.
• Articulate with strong communication skills with the ability to explain to a diverse audience with high variations in financial and pensions knowledge.
• Numerate, tenacious, and commercially astute with strong analytical skills.
• People focused with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Part-qualified (and working towards qualification) or hold a recognised professional pensions qualification e.g. DipPMI, APMI or ACII.
• Knowledge of current legislation affecting occupational schemes.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

What we can offer you as an Assistant Pensions Manager

• Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme (up to 25%)
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Life cover of 4x salary
• Private medical health insurance
• Annual car allowance
• Staff discount
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, offers a diverse range of products in kitchens, joinery, and hardware. With 800+ depots across the UK and Europe, we are the top choice for over 460,000 trade professionals. Our sales reached circa 2.3bn in 2022, and our ambitious growth plans are fuelled by our strong, entrepreneurial spirit and dynamic work environment. We are proud to be voted one of the top 10 best big companies to work for.
How to apply:
We're building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as an Assistant Pensions Manager, then we're keen to hear from you.
When you apply, you will need to attach a CV. You will need to activate your account when you apply for this role. Please check your email carefully to ensure that you have completed this step. We are unable to view your application if you have not activated your account. Good luck with your application.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.