Payroll Manager in Croydon

We're seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of payroll and pensions services for more than 5,000 employees across the Harris Federation. This pivotal role will ensure payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and on time, while working closely with HR, Finance and our outsourced payroll provider to provide an exceptional service to colleagues across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Harris at a time of significant organisational and systems transformation. We are looking for a proactive and adaptable payroll professional who is motivated by change and eager to play a key role in modernising and future-proofing our payroll and pensions operations. You will be confident in leveraging technology, driving process improvements and supporting stakeholders across a large and diverse organisation to deliver efficient, effective and customer-focused services.

While experience of Oracle Fusion would be beneficial, it is not essential. More important is your ability to combine strong technical payroll expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills, a customer‑centric mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will be equally comfortable contributing to strategic initiatives and taking a hands‑on approach to ensuring high-quality operational delivery.

As part of a collaborative, supportive and highly committed team, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact by enhancing payroll and pensions processes, improving service delivery and supporting colleagues across our academies and central services. This is an excellent opportunity to help shape the future of payroll and pensions services within one of the country's leading education trusts.

If you are an accomplished payroll professional who enjoys leading change, driving operational excellence and delivering meaningful improvements, we would be delighted to hear from you.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Manage the relationship with our outsourced payroll provider, ensuring an effective, accurate and timely payroll process month on month.
• Manage the interface between the payroll system and the main accounting system, ensuring financial integrity — including monitoring, reconciling and reporting information to relevant bodies.
• Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements for PAYE and pension schemes, including accurate and timely reporting via Real Time Information and pension scheme returns.
• Stay ahead of complex and changing regulations, anticipating the implications of new legislation and determining the best way to implement changes.
• Lead the development and enhancement of payroll and pensions system processes to drive an efficient, effective service.
• Manage projects and continuous improvement activity across the function, keeping stakeholders informed throughout.
• Proactively communicate payroll and pensions information across Harris, so colleagues are informed, up to date and empowered to make decisions about their pay and pensions.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• A CIPP qualification and are a current active member of the CIPP.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion payroll software.
• A proven track record of managing a highly effective Payroll and/or Pension function.
• Sound knowledge of ERP system software.
• A strong understanding of manual and computerised payroll systems and principles.
• The ability to prioritise workloads effectively, balancing conflicting deadlines and achieving results and deliverables within fixed timescales.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
• Annual loyalty bonus.
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution.
• 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service.
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice.
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free‑up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that's why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.