We are seeking an experienced Pensions and Benefits Integration Lead to play a key role in aligning and harmonising pension schemes and colleague benefits during company acquisitions. This role is critical in ensuring a seamless transition for colleagues while maintaining compliance with UK pension and tax regulations, including auto-enrolment pensions, salary sacrifice arrangements, payrolling benefits, and PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs).
The ideal candidate will act as the main point of contact for pension and benefits integration, working closely with internal stakeholders, pension providers, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance, continuity, and Colleague engagement.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Acquisitions & Integration Support -
- Lead the integration of pension schemes and employee benefits following mergers and acquisitions.
- Conduct due diligence on acquired companies’ pension arrangements, including auto-enrolment, defined contribution (DC), and defined benefit (DB) schemes.
- Review existing salary sacrifice arrangements for pensions and other benefits to ensure alignment with company policies and HMRC regulations.
- Identify, assess, and harmonise payrolling benefits and PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs), ensuring tax compliance and efficient reporting.
- Develop and implement strategies to standardise pensions and benefits across the organisation.
Pension & Benefits Management -
Ensure the uninterrupted provision of core employee benefits such as healthcare and life insurance.
Ensure continued compliance with The Pensions Regulator (TPR) and auto-enrolment obligations, including employer contributions and employee communications.
Collaborate with pension providers, third-party administrators, and trustees to maintain service continuity.
Monitor and assess acquired pension schemes, making recommendations for consolidation or alignment where appropriate.
Stakeholder Support & Collaboration -
- Serve as the key point of contact for pension and benefits-related matters during acquisitions.
- Provide guidance and support to internal teams, senior leadership, and employees throughout the transition process.
- Work closely with payroll, legal, finance, and HR teams to ensure a smooth transition.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience in UK pensions and benefits management, particularly in an M&A or integration environment.
- Strong understanding of auto-enrolment pensions, salary sacrifice arrangements, payrolling benefits, and PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs).
- Experience working with pension providers, trustees, payroll teams, and third-party benefits administrators.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple integrations simultaneously.
- Strong analytical skills to assess and harmonise pension and benefits structures.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of The Pensions Regulator (TPR), HMRC guidelines, and UK employment law.