Pension and Payroll Lead

• West Suffolk College 
• Address: Out Risbygate, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3RL 
• Salary: £32,205 - £36,084 per annum
• Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible 
• Reference: 5052

West Suffolk College are seeking a detail-oriented Pension and Payroll Lead to oversee the effective delivery of payroll and pensions administration across the organisation. This key role will ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, manage auto-enrolment and pension scheme administration, and act as the primary liaison with our outsourced payroll provider. You will play a vital role in maintaining accuracy, managing risk, and ensuring the smooth and timely processing of payroll and pension contributions.

Working closely with HR, Finance, and external partners, you will lead on quality assurance, resolve discrepancies, and provide expert guidance to colleagues on payroll and pensions matters. You will also support the ongoing development of processes, documentation, and training, helping to embed best practice and improve understanding across the organisation. In addition, you will contribute to system improvements, including supporting transitions and ensuring continuity of service.
You will bring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach. You will be highly organised, confident in interpreting legislation, and able to communicate complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders. If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a critical function and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Free parking 
• Canteen
• Company events 
• Access to various memberships and discount schemes
• Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
• Funded subject course development for your role 
• Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities 
• Career progression opportunities 

Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees.  Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview. 

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance. 

For more information

Please read the Job Description (pdf)

Please contact the college by calling emailing: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply, please visit our website

If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Closing date: 8 am, 11 June 2026.

The group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date; early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure. All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.