Pensions Sales Advisor

Pensions advisers and managers work with individuals and businesses on choosing and running pension schemes. They help people to make financial plans for their retirement. They also advise businesses on pension schemes for their employees.
Personal pensions advisers help individuals to choose the most appropriate scheme. They carry out financial forecasts, advise on pensions and adjust existing schemes.
Pension scheme advisers help businesses find the best scheme for their employees. They liaise with employers about the performance of company schemes, negotiate with other professionals, calculate the value of pension funds and issue statements.
Pensions managers oversee and train a team of advisers, ensuring that pension schemes operate effectively and correctly.
Pensions advisers and managers usually work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, but personal pension advisers may work evenings and weekends to fit in with clients. They are generally office-based but travel to see clients.
Salaries may range from £15,000 to over £65,000 a year, generally with performance-related bonuses on top.
A pensions adviser or manager should:
have good communication and numerical skills
enjoy working with people
be able to give impartial, unbiased advice
understand the relevant law
be interested in finance.
There are opportunities throughout the UK. Employers include banks, building societies, insurance companies and pension consultancies. There is keen competition for jobs.
While there are no set qualifications, degrees, HNCs/HNDs or BTEC qualifications in subjects like finance, accountancy or business management may be useful. Most pensions managers are graduates.
All pensions advisers and managers must gain professional qualifications before they can give advice. Entry requirements vary - some do not require academic qualifications. Pensions advice is often a second career.
Training is usually a combination of practical experience and professional qualifications, available from a range of professional bodies. They also do ongoing training to keep up with changes in the financial sector.
There are good opportunities for progression to more senior roles. Many advisers and managers become self-employed. Some people diversify into other areas of financial advice.