Payroll Manager 12Month FTC

Job Description

Payroll, Pensions & Benefits Manager – FTC
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum
Northampton

Monday – Friday, full time

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join a growing and values-driven organisation, on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering a timely, accurate and fully compliant payroll service that supports and values colleagues across multiple sites.

You will play a vital role in ensuring payroll excellence, overseeing pensions and benefits administration, and acting as a trusted advisor to staff and senior stakeholders. Working closely with People & Culture, Finance and operational teams, you will help maintain robust processes, drive continuous improvement and ensure statutory compliance at all times.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and process monthly payroll for all employees
• Administer pension schemes, including Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC and statutory payroll regulations
• Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting and third-party submissions
• Provide professional payroll, pensions and benefits advice to staff and managers
• Maintain data accuracy and integrity across payroll systems
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience managing payroll in a complex or multi-site organisation
• Strong working knowledge of pensions, statutory regulations and HMRC requirements
• Experience within the educational sector highly desirable.
• High attention to detail with excellent organisational skills
• Confident communicator able to build strong relationships with stakeholders
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement