Payroll and Pensions Director in London

Payroll and Pensions DirectorLondon (Hybrid) | Fixed Term (2 Years) | £68,098 – £72,757

This range is provided by Insite Finance. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

We are partnering with a prestigious London-based educational institution to recruit an experienced Payroll and Pensions Director. Take ownership of a £50m payroll operation serving circa 2,400 employees and lead a team of three specialists.

The RoleAs a Payroll and Pensions Director, you\’ll be the expert for all payroll and pensions matters, ensuring flawless monthly processing, full compliance, and accurate reporting to HMRC, pension providers, and auditors.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end monthly payroll delivery ensuring accuracy and compliance

Manage c£19m annual payments to HMRC, pension schemes, and statutory bodies

Administer four pension schemes (USS, SAUL, NHSPS, NEST) with full regulatory compliance

Calculate complex pension scenarios including Lifetime/Annual Allowance and auto-enrolment

Advise Finance and HR Directors on cost implications of retirements and redundancies

Maintain and configure HR/Payroll system (iTrent) and expenses system (Agresso)

Lead year‐end processes (P60s, P11Ds, PSA) and authorise severance payments

Stay ahead of legislative changes and implement system updates accordingly

Manage, motivate and develop your team to meet critical deadlines

What We\’re Looking For

Proven payroll management experience in a medium/large organisation

Operational experience of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes

Staff management experience with ability to lead and develop teams

Hands‐on experience with USS, SAUL, and NHS Superannuation Scheme

Expert knowledge of HR/Payroll systems (preferably iTrent) and Finance system integration

Deep understanding of payroll, taxation, and auto‐enrolment legislation

Specialised knowledge of occupational pension scheme regulations

Advanced Excel skills and MS Office proficiency

Exceptional communication skills and meticulous attention to detail

Degree level education or equivalent

Higher Education and/or NHS experience

Why Apply?

Substantial responsibility – Own a £50m payroll operation impacting thousands of staff

Generous pension – Choice of competitive schemes (SAUL, LPFA, USS, NHSPS) with excellent employer contributions

Outstanding leave – 30 days + 8 public holidays + 4 closure days (Christmas/New Year)

Flexible hybrid working – Modern campus with excellent transport links

Professional development – Continuous learning in a respected education environment

Comprehensive benefits – Season ticket loan, Cycle to Work, on‐site leisure facilities

The OrganisationOur client is a well‐established London education and training institution with a strong reputation for excellence. Following a recent merger, they\’re now one of the largest education providers in the capital, attracting students from 150+ countries.

Seniority LevelDirector

Employment TypeFull‐time (fixed term)

Job FunctionFinance

IndustriesHigher Education

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