Payroll & Pensions Manager

We are driven by a passion for transforming lives through education. As a leading education provider in the North East of England, our institutions are united in our commitment to delivering exceptional teaching and learning experiences that empower students to reach their full potential. Our college community is built on a foundation of inclusivity, where we encourage both staff and students to embrace their authentic selves, show respect for others, and innovate in creating an exceptional student experience.

As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Are you ready to lead beyond the ledger? We’re seeking an experienced Payroll & Pensions Manager to inspire transformation—turning a critical back-office function into a strategic powerhouse. If you’re a dynamic self-starter who thrives on innovation, influence, and impact, we want to hear from you. You’re not just technically excellent—you’re a changemaker.

You bring:

• Proven experience managing in-house payroll and pension functions.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC compliance, and pension scheme regulations (e.g. LGPS, TPS).
• The vision to turn insights into influence, and numbers into narratives.
• A collaborative, coaching approach that energises people and shifts mindsets.
• A drive for continuous improvement and digital innovation.

As our new Payroll & Pensions Manager, you’ll be at the heart of a transformation. You’ll lead a team, ensure impeccable payroll and pensions delivery, and partner across the organisation to bring strategic insight into pay, reward, and benefits.

You’ll:

• Lead, inspire and develop the Payroll & Pensions team with purpose and clarity.
• Drive forward-thinking payroll and pensions services aligned with compliance and operational excellence.
• Champion innovation in systems and processes, spearheading user testing and improvement initiatives.
• Shape and evolve our reward and benefits offer in line with organisational values.
• Work cross-functionally to embed a culture of strategic partnership and business intelligence in all aspects of pay and pensions.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree educated or significant relevant experience.
• Level 2 Maths.
• Significant experience of managing end-to-end payroll input and reconciliation in a large organisation (circa 900+) using a complex HR/Payroll database.
• Professional knowledge of statutory payroll and HMRC regulations sufficient to provide complex technical advice in relation to pay, tax, pensions, compliance and benefits.
• Significant management experience within a payroll/pension’s environment.
• Experience of effective relationship management with external agencies (such as pension providers and HMRC).
• Lead on the external Payroll and Pension audits, ensuring the college’s compliance, including HMRC/Pensions processes, auto-enrolment, and implementation of changes to college’s pension schemes.
• Experience of contributing to the creation of bespoke remuneration and benefits strategies aligned to organizational strategy and values.
• Specialist pensions knowledge e.g. LGPS and TPS.
• Experience of implementing service improvements and systems upgrades.

What’s in it for you? Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritizes your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package:

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme (dependent on role 15.7% - 23.68%).
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Vicky Cummings, Head of People Operations, should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.