Payroll and Pensions Manager

Payroll and Pensions Manager

Full-Time 45718 - 50788 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead payroll and pensions processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance for all staff.
  • Company: Join Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, a top-performing team dedicated to community safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health services, employee discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact behind the scenes while supporting frontline heroes in your community.
  • Qualifications: CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management and significant experience in payroll and pensions required.
  • Other info: Applications from diverse communities are encouraged; police vetting is necessary for successful candidates.

The predicted salary is between 45718 - 50788 £ per year.

Payroll and Pensions Manager

Salary: GBP47,181 – GBP52,413 per annum

Location: Headquarters Ripley

Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing date: 7th September 2025

Interviews: week commencing 18th September 2025

About Us

At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, we\’re more than an emergency service-we\’re a team of over 900 dedicated people working together to make Derbyshire safer every day. Whether it\’s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents before they happen, or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes, every role here makes a real difference.

We\’re proud to be one of the country\’s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated \’Good\’ in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majesty\’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This recognition reflects the professionalism, progress, and dedication of our people.

The Role

We\’re looking for a Payroll and Pensions Manager to join our Corporate Finance department. It\’s a busy, rewarding role where your work truly matters. Payroll might be behind the scenes, but it\’s at the heart of everything we do. By ensuring our staff are paid accurately and on time, you\’ll be helping our teams stay focused on what they do best – protecting the public and keeping Derbyshire safe.

As Payroll and Pensions Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely processing of payroll and pension payments and contributions for all employees. You\’ll ensure compliance with statutory regulations, manage relationships with external providers, and support internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the team to deliver end-to-end payroll processing and payment for all staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC and other statutory bodies.
  • Oversee pension scheme administration, including auto-enrolment, contributions, and reporting.
  • Lead on payroll audits and ensure all records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless data flow and reporting.
  • Manage and mentor the Deputy Payroll and Pension Manager.
  • Provide expert guidance on payroll and pension matters, including legislative changes.
  • Manage relationships with payroll software providers and pension scheme administrators.
  • Continuously improve payroll and pension processes for efficiency and accuracy.
  • Manage the implications of pension remedy changes such as McCloud and Matthews.

Required Qualifications and Experience

You will be a team leader with the experience and technical knowledge to ensure accurate processing, recording and security of pay and pension information. You will be able to demonstrate continued CPD and up to date knowledge of relevant employee related taxes.

To be successful in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:

  • Level 3 management / supervisory qualification or significant experience in leading a Payroll or Pensions team.
  • Significant experience in payroll and pensions administration.
  • Strong leadership and management skills.
  • Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NI, statutory payments, and pension auto-enrolment.
  • Experience with public sector pension schemes.

What We Offer in Return

We believe in rewarding our people with more than just a salary. Here\’s what you can expect when you join us:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Agile working (60% office based)
  • Family friendly policies
  • Free car parking
  • Health & wellbeing services, access to the services gyms
  • Employee discount scheme, eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card
  • Employee support networks
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Equality, Safeguarding, and Vetting Information

We are a Disability Confident employer committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service\’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. All staff are expected to share this commitment.

Please note as the role will be based at HQ at Ripley successful applicants will need to undertake Police Security Vetting procedures at the appropriate level.

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Payroll and Pensions Manager employer: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue

At Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, we pride ourselves on being a top-performing emergency service that values every team member's contribution to making Derbyshire safer. As a Payroll and Pensions Manager, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with flexible hours, ongoing training opportunities, and access to health and wellbeing services, all while playing a crucial role in ensuring our dedicated staff are compensated accurately and on time. Join us at our Ripley headquarters and be part of a team that is committed to excellence and community safety.
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Contact Detail:

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll and Pensions Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll and pensions legislation in the UK, especially around PAYE, NI, and auto-enrolment. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the payroll and pensions sector, particularly those who have experience with local government schemes like LGPS and FPS. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to mentor and guide others will be crucial, as this role involves managing a team.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and understand their values and recent achievements. Being able to articulate why you want to work for them specifically will show your genuine interest in the role and organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Pensions Manager

Payroll Processing
Pension Administration
Knowledge of UK Payroll Legislation
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Attention to Detail
Compliance Management
Data Analysis
Communication Skills
Relationship Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Experience with Payroll Software
Understanding of Employee Related Taxes
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in payroll and pensions administration. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific qualifications like the CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service. Mention how your skills align with their mission of keeping Derbyshire safe and your understanding of payroll legislation.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your significant experience with payroll processing and pension scheme administration. Provide examples of how you've ensured compliance with statutory regulations in previous roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of Payroll and Pensions Manager.

How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue

✨Know Your Payroll Legislation

Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NI, and statutory payments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Payroll and Pensions Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on mentoring and improving processes.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Pension Schemes

Understand the specifics of pension schemes like LGPS and FPS. Be ready to discuss how you've handled pension administration and compliance in previous roles.

✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers

Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, challenges they face, and how you can contribute to their success. This demonstrates your proactive approach.

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