Pensions Consultant

About the role

West Sussex County Council is seeking a Pensions Consultant to act as the subject‑matter expert for its pension provision across the Council and schools. You will shape policy, ensure compliance and influence decisions affecting thousands of employees.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and review of pension‑related employment policy and decisions.
• Provide expert advice on complex pension matters, including legislation, regulation and case law.
• Ensure pension decisions, disputes and queries are handled compliantly and consistently.
• Influence senior stakeholders to make informed, risk‑aware decisions.
• Monitor national changes and best practice to keep the Council forward‑thinking.
• Support projects with pension implications such as TUPE, auto‑enrolment and policy change.
• Build strong partnerships with HR, Payroll, schools and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• Confident pensions professional with detailed knowledge of local government schemes (LGPS, Fire, NHS, Teachers).
• Proven experience developing pension‑related employment policy and practice.
• Ability to provide timely, accurate advice to managers and challenge processes constructively.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong communication skills for translating complex technical information.
• Relevant qualification such as a Post‑Graduate Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Required skills