Pensions Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Pensions Officer to join its Resources & Innovation Directorate within the HR & OD Division. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the effective delivery of pension administration services across the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), while also supporting the National Health Service Pension Scheme (NHSPS) and Teachers’ Pensions Scheme (TPS). Based at Harrow Council Hub, the post holder will act as a key point of contact for scheme members, employers and associated bodies, delivering a high-quality, customer-focused service that reflects the Council’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

In this varied and rewarding role, you will manage and process a wide range of pension benefit cases, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timeliness in all areas of work. You will apply your knowledge of pension legislation to complex calculations, maintain accurate records, and support the administration of pensioner payroll, including the processing of payments, amendments and annual increases. Working collaboratively within the Pensions team, you will provide guidance to Pensions Assistants, contribute to system improvements, and lead on smaller projects when required. Your ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and meet performance targets will be essential to success in this post.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, with a sound understanding of public sector pension schemes and a commitment to excellent customer service. You will build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, handling sensitive enquiries with professionalism and care. Aligned with Harrow’s values you will play an important role in supporting the Council’s wider HR & OD objectives, contributing to a forward-thinking and inclusive working environment.

The successful candidate will have:-

• A sound working knowledge of public sector pension schemes, particularly LGPS, with an understanding of relevant legislation.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and meet tight deadlines within a performance-driven environment.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to produce accurate and complex pension calculations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the confidence to explain technical information clearly.
• Experience of handling customer enquiries professionally across multiple channels, including telephone, email and in person.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, employers and external bodies.
• Good working knowledge of ICT systems and MS Office applications, with an interest in supporting system improvements.
• The ability to handle sensitive or complex cases with discretion, professionalism and sound judgement.
• Experience of pensioner payroll processes or similar financial administration activities.
• A proactive and flexible attitude, with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, consistently delivering high-quality service.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn