Job overview

Due to ongoing service pressures, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Pensions Team Manager to provide immediate technical leadership within our Payroll & Pensions function.

This is a senior, operationally critical role requiring pensions expertise, strong reporting skills and confident leadership. The post holder will manage the day‑to‑day delivery of pensions services while working closely with experienced payroll colleagues to address the recognised links between NHS payroll and  pensions workload.

This role is not suitable for developing or trainee pensions candidates. We are specifically seeking someone who already has the technical knowledge, judgement and confidence to lead complex NHS pensions activity in a large organisation.

Significant experience in pensions administration, ideally within the NHS. Strong understanding of pension regulations and statutory requirements. Proven leadership experience, including staff management, development and performance oversight. Highly developed analytical and reporting skills. A clear understanding of payroll processes and their impact on pensions outcomes. 

In return you will be a part of a friendly, supportive and experienced Payroll & Pensions team, Flexible working arrangements, including up to 50% home working, access to the NHS Pension Scheme and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a senior, influential role.

Main duties of the job

Day‑to‑day management of the Pensions Team, including Team Leaders and Pensions Officers.

Providing hands‑on technical oversight of pensions processing, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Leading annual and monthly statutory processes including Annual Returns / SD55s, reconciliations and data submissions.

Acting as the main Trust contact for NHS Pensions and NEST.

Using strong payroll knowledge to identify, challenge and resolve root‑cause issues impacting pensions. 

Producing, interpreting and presenting pensions performance and workload reporting. 

Managing complex and sensitive cases, including ill‑health retirement, redundancy, MARS and death in service.

Leading service improvements, process development and the introduction of new systems or ways of working.

Working for our organisation

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.