Join Our Team as a Pensions Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service!
Are you ready to make a profound impact in a role that blends strategic leadership with the rewarding world of pensions? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is on the lookout for a Pensions Manager to join our People Services team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £46,731, rising annually to £49,764 per annum.
About Us
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
Your Role
As the Pensions Manager, you will lead all aspects of pension-related matters for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) pension schemes—both legacy and current. You’ll have the opportunity to provide strategic direction, management oversight, and expert advice to our Pension Board and the broader team.
You will act as the Designated Scheme Manager for Fire Pensions at DSFRS, ensuring the effective administration of our pension schemes while driving improvements in processes and management information. Your expertise will guide managers and stakeholders through complex pension regulations, ensuring compliance and enhancing our operational efficiency.
Find out more and apply
Key Responsibilities
* Leadership: Serve as the Designated Scheme Manager, overseeing and managing the Fire Pension scheme, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
* Advisory Role: Act as the key technical advisor to the Local Pension Board, preparing critical documentation to meet regulatory requirements.
* Strategic Development: Create and deliver a pension service that aligns with best practices and the needs of our organisation and stakeholders.
* Collaboration: Work closely with pension administrators, finance, and payroll teams, ensuring timely and accurate reporting of financial information.
* Communication: Brief HR and management on pension changes, updating policies and procedures as necessary.
* Guidance: Provide insights on pension legislation to managers and employees, helping navigate complex issues and long-term projects.
What We Offer
Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including:
* Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
* A generous pension scheme for your future
* Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
* Family leave policies that support your loved ones
* Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
* Opportunities for professional development and progression
* Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
* Support for eye care and wellness programs
* Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
* Engaging sports and social groups for community building
* Confidential counselling services and mental health support
* Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
* A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead the way in pension management while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.
Closing date: 23:59 Sunday 29th June 2025
Should you have any questions regarding the role, please contact the hiring manager Mareena Anderson-Thorne via mandersonthorne@dsfire.gov.uk, or 01392 301890.
The hiring manager will be on leave from May 26th to May 30th. If you reach out during this time, your inquiries will be addressed upon their return. Thank you for your understanding!
If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Pensions Manager please click 'apply' today, we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
Our Identity
How to apply:
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
* Experience of working in a senior pensions role (preferably in public sector / blue light services)
* Substantial experience of providing information and guidance on defined benefit (DB) pensions including complex issues
* Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills, with ability to work under pressure and meet conflicting deadlines.
* In-depth knowledge of public sector pension legislation, scheme types and standard processes
To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Essential Criteria for Pension Manager Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.
Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.
Our values
Our values:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services’ Safeguarding Policy.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
This role will require a Standard DBS check to be completed.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
* We are proud to help
* We are honest
* We are respectful
* We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.
Job number
PS00784
Internal / external
External
Job type
Support
Location
Exeter Clyst St George
Contract type
Permanent
Hours of work
37
Essential Criteria for Pension Manager Application.docx
Essential Criteria for Pension Manager Application.docx Download
DSFRS Pensions Manager Job Description Person Specification.docx
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