Payroll and Pensions Manager

Payroll & Pensions Manager
Location: Cambridge or Huntingdon (Hybrid Working Available)
Contract: Full Time – 37 Hours per Week
Salary: £42,000 – £45,000 per annum

An established and highly respected education provider is seeking an experienced Payroll & Pensions Manager to lead and develop a critical function within its People and Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of payroll and pensions operations within a large, values-led organisation committed to excellence.

With modern campuses in Cambridge and Huntingdon, this organisation is recognised for its outstanding facilities, strong reputation, and dedication to creating an exceptional environment for both staff and learners. Its commitment to employee development is reflected in its prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation.

The Role

As Payroll & Pensions Manager, you will oversee the delivery of a professional, accurate, and fully compliant payroll and pensions service, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time. In addition to leading day-to-day operations, you will play a key role in driving continuous improvement, enhancing systems, and streamlining processes.

Working closely with Finance, HR, and external stakeholders, you will ensure compliance with all statutory requirements and public sector pension schemes while contributing to the organisation’s wider operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
• Oversee HMRC submissions and maintain full PAYE compliance
• Administer Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), including reconciliations and statutory returns
• Maintain and enhance the iTrent payroll system, including reporting and process development
• Produce payroll data, reports, and forecasts to support finance and audit requirements
• Lead internal and external audits, providing accurate documentation and evidence

About You

• Proven experience in payroll management, ideally within a public sector or complex organisational setting
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, and statutory reporting requirements
• Experience managing public sector pension schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS
• Familiarity with iTrent or similar HR/payroll systems
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills, and accuracy
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners

What’s on Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
• Competitive pension schemes (TPS or LGPS)
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Free on-site parking, including EV charging facilities
• Access to on-site gym facilities and discounted fitness classes (Cambridge campus)
• Health cash plan, occupational health support, and wellbeing services
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support
• Discounts on retail, courses, and on-site facilities
• Excellent CPD and professional development opportunities

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced payroll professional seeking a strategic and rewarding role within a supportive, progressive organisation.

Apply now to be considered for this Payroll & Pensions Manager opportunity.

If you are interested in this Payroll & Pensions Manager role, please send your CV to Clarus Education. If shortlisted, you will be contacted by your personal consultant within 2 working days.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. As a Payroll & Pensions Manager, you will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed.

The successful Payroll & Pensions Manager candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service, and employment will be subject to satisfactory references. This Payroll & Pensions Manager post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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