Job Description:

Job Title: Payroll & Pensions Manager

Salary: £42,000–£45,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent | Full Time (37 hours per week) | Full Year
Location: Cambridge and Huntingdon  

About the role:

Our client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll & Pensions Manager to lead the delivery of an accurate, compliant and customer-focused payroll and pensions service.

As the Payroll & Pensions Manager you will play a vital role in ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining full compliance with statutory and contractual obligations. You will also lead on pensions administration, payroll system development, and continuous process improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Payroll & Pensions Manager who enjoys combining technical expertise with leadership, systems development, and service excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll & Pensions

• Manage and process their monthly payroll using iTrent (MHR), ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Submit statutory payroll returns including FPS, EPS, tax year-end reporting, and liaise with HMRC and other external bodies.
• Lead all pension administration for LGPS, Pension Scheme, and Auto Enrolment, ensuring full compliance with legislation.
• Reconcile pension contributions and maintain all monthly and year-end pension reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll and pension queries from employees and external providers.
• Monitor and improve payroll controls, authorisation workflows, and compliance processes.

Systems & Reporting

• Manage and develop the iTrent HR/Payroll system to maximise automation and efficiency.
• Produce payroll forecasts, management reports, and annual budget data for Finance.
• Develop workforce reporting and management information to support strategic decision-making.
• Deliver training and guidance to managers and staff on system use and payroll processes.

Leadership

• Line manage and support the development of the Payroll/HR Administrator.
• Build strong working relationships across HR, Finance, and wider teams.

About You:

Essential

• Significant payroll management experience in a medium or large organisation.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions.
• Experience using complex payroll systems (iTrent experience highly desirable).
• Excellent analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Desirable

• Recognised payroll qualification (e.g. CIPP, AAT Level 4, or equivalent).
• Experience within education or local government payroll environments.
• Experience with Business Objects Reporting.

Paul Feldman is the National Skills Agency Data Protection Officer. Your data will be stored until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you on request. As we get a high number of applications we may be unable to give feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We will retain your details to  keep you informed of other opportunities. National Skills Agency Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.