Pensions Operations Specialist

At Smiths we apply leading-edge technology to design, manufacture and deliver smarter engineering solutions for mission-critical applications, solving some of the world's toughest problems for our customers, our communities and our world.

We are a FTSE100, global business of around 15,000 colleagues, based in 50 countries. Our solutions have a real impact on lives across the planet, enabling industry, improving healthcare, enhancing security, advancing connectivity, and supporting new homes. Our products and services are often critical to our customers’ operations, while our proprietary technology and high service levels help create competitive advantage.

We welcome colleagues with a curious mind, who are happy with responsibility, enjoy a challenge and are attracted by the idea of working at a business with an almost 170-year history of innovation, and four global divisions, all experts in their field. 

Job Purpose:

To act as a key member of Smiths’ pensions team, undertaking a valued and important role supporting in all aspects of the Group’s pensions arrangements, with an emphasis on oversight of the third-party defined benefit administrator and our defined contribution arrangements. 

This role is being offered as an 12-month fixed term contract, on a full time basis. Working 4 days per week out of our Central Birmingham office, with the option of working from home 1 day per week.

We strive to grow a diverse, high-performing workforce that reflects our global business & build an inclusive culture that engages all individuals and values diverse talents and perspectives.

Key Duties:

• Overseeing the performance of the third-party administrator in respect of the Group’s two large defined benefit arrangements and any associated activity, including preparing papers for the trustees in relation to administration matters.
• Supporting the wider work within Smiths’ pensions team, including ad hoc project work and governance of the defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements, including managing the trustee boards and sub-committees and supporting with the defined contribution governance committee.
• Working closely with the HR and Payroll functions within the Group to ensure benefits are administered and paid correctly.
• Leading on production of member communications for the Group’s pension arrangements (for both defined benefit and defined contribution arrangements)
• Handling and helping to resolve member complaints raised under the schemes’ internal dispute resolution procedures

You should note that your title and job description are not exhaustive and you may be required from time to time to undertake other reasonable tasks within your capacity.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Achieved or working towards a formal pension qualification (e.g. from the Pensions Management Institute) with experience of UK occupational pension schemes (e.g. from an administration, in-house or consulting background).
• You will be able to act on your own initiative, applying your knowledge and experience to new tasks and situations with minimal supervision.
• You will be able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders at every level of pensions knowledge and experience.
• You will have the ability to efficiently review, comprehend and process large volumes of information
• You will have the ability to identify key relevant points, decisions and action items from various sources
• You will be an experience meeting minute taker, with the ability to distinguish between essential and non-essential information, ensuring that the minutes accurately reflect the core discussions, decisions and outcomes
• Fluent in English.
• Proficient IT skills, particularly Excel and the wider Microsoft office applications.

With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity. 

Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network. 

Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future. 

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)