Pensions Consultant – Shape Policy for West Sussex Council

About the role

This high‑impact specialist position sits within the HR Policy and Pensions team at West Sussex County Council. As the subject‑matter expert you will own pension policy across four major public‑sector schemes and ensure compliance, best practice and robust decision‑making for 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 and guide senior stakeholders to make informed, risk‑aware decisions.
• Monitor national changes and best practice, keeping the Council forward‑thinking and compliant.
• 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 able to challenge, influence and deliver.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed knowledge of pension regulations, practices and procedures for local government, with expertise in one or more of LGPS, Fire, NHS or Teachers' schemes.
• Experience developing pension‑related employment policy and practice.
• Ability to provide timely, accurate advice to managers.
• Confidence to constructively challenge and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong communication skills for conveying complex technical information.
• Post‑graduate diploma from a recognised chartered institute (e.g., CIPD) or equivalent.

Required skills