At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate payroll and pensions, ensuring data integrity and process improvements.
- Company: Join the vibrant ESMS family of independent schools in beautiful Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free lunches, and discounts at 130,000 locations.
- Other info: Embrace our values of kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity, and curiosity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll, data management, and proficiency in iTrent/MHR HR software required.
The predicted salary is between 23305 - 25381 £ per year.
Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools are currently recruiting for a Payroll and Pensions Coordinator to join the team on a 6-month temporary basis (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks). The role is available immediately, working 21.75 hours per week (equivalent to 0.6FTE), with a salary range of £23,305 to £25,381.
If you have strong payroll and pensions knowledge and are looking for your next opportunity to build internal relationships with key business stakeholders, this role could be for you. The Payroll and Pensions Coordinator will be responsible for playing a key role in strengthening and embedding payroll operations within an outsourced model.
The Payroll and Pensions Coordinator will be responsible for:
- Payroll governance
- Data integrity
- Process design and improvements
They will work closely with the Head of Finance, the wider Finance Team, the HR team, and both internal and external stakeholders, including payroll and pension providers.
The successful candidate will have experience in payroll and data management, as well as relevant pension or finance experience which demonstrates professional competency. Proficiency in iTrent/MHR HR software is essential. The post holder must have experience managing a range of stakeholders, systems and deadlines within a payroll environment.
Experience working with outsourced payroll providers and SPPA pension scheme administration is preferred, although not essential. Strong communication, organisational, and IT skills are essential, along with the ability to multitask and work both independently and as part of a team. A commitment to high professional standards and continuous professional development is key.
ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Values: We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role modelling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community. ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland. All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore, all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The closing date for applications is 12pm Friday 19 June 2026. We anticipate interviews are likely to take place week commencing 22 June 2026.
About ESMS: Welcome to the ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools, set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely twinned secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We are a consistently award-winning School, with an educational legacy that stretches back more than 300 years. Our Schools have always been pioneers of rounded education.
Children’s education is underpinned by our values: kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity and curiosity. From virtual reality headsets in the classroom to developing one of the first outdoor learning programmes in Scotland, we are always searching for new ways to develop the whole child. The people that work for us are passionate, pioneering and strive for excellence in everything they do. We value the incredible contributions they make to school life, we invest in their careers and we support their ambitions so that they flourish professionally and personally.
Employees get access to a range of benefits including:
- Fee remission from Nursery to S6
- Free school lunches
- Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
- Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
- Employee Assistance Service
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
- Annual professional review process
- Regular salary reviews
- Funding towards professional qualifications
Payroll and Pension Coordinator employer: George Watson'S College
Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises kindness, confidence, resilience, integrity, and curiosity. Employees benefit from a supportive environment with access to professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a range of perks including fee remission for children, free lunches, and enhanced family-friendly policies. Join a pioneering team dedicated to excellence in education and enjoy a fulfilling career in a beautiful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Pension Coordinator
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at George Watson'S College and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Pension Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at George Watson'S College. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at George Watson'S College, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that George Watson'S College uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at George Watson'S College.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at George Watson'S College.
