Pensions & Benefits Project Specialist

Pensions & Benefits Project Specialist Contract: 6-month FTC (with potential extension) - pro rated Location: London (Hybrid) About the Role My client is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Pensions & Benefits Specialist to join the HR Operations team on a project basis. This role will focus on managing large data sets, advising on the appropriateness of pension arrangements, and ensuring compliance during a period of transformation. You will work alongside the Benefits Manager, who leads on pensions, and contribute to benefits harmonisation and process optimisation projects. Key Responsibilities Pensions • Administer and manage workplace pension schemes, including auto-enrolment, contribution uploads, opt-in/out tracking, and monthly reconciliation. • Act as the primary liaison with pension providers. • Manage joiner/leaver pension processes and employee transfers. • Ensure compliance with UK pension regulations and legislative requirements (The Pensions Regulator, auto-enrolment duties). • Coordinate pension communications and support employees with queries. Benefits • Partner with the Benefits Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of core and voluntary benefits (medical, dental, life assurance, EAP, etc.). • Manage vendor relationships, renewals, eligibility, and enrolments. • Support annual benefits renewal process, including data analysis and reporting. • Maintain accurate benefit enrolment data across HRIS and vendor systems. • Handle benefit-related queries and lead onboarding/training sessions. • Assist in updating internal pages/templates and creating communications to enhance the value of the benefit proposition. Reporting & Compliance • Prepare monthly and ad-hoc reports for payroll, finance, and HR. • Support audits and ensure GDPR/data privacy compliance. Projects & Process Improvement • Contribute to benefits harmonisation and integration projects. • Document SOPs and drive process improvements. • Participate in benchmarking and employee feedback analysis. Qualifications & Experience Essential: • 5+ years' experience in pensions and/or employee benefits within HR or shared services. • Strong knowledge of UK pension legislation, auto-enrolment, and benefits programmes. • Experience managing large data sets and reconciling data accurately. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and HRIS systems. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Desirable: • Knowledge of international benefits (EMEA/global). • Project management experience (Agile or similar). The SR Group (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.