At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll delivery and ensure compliance while driving innovation.
- Company: Together Learning Trust, a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and a healthy work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives are welcomed; excellent career growth opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll services and shape the future of the organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Closing date: Friday 3 July 2026 at 9am. Interviews will take place w/c: Monday 6 July 2026.
Location: Together Learning Trust, The Brooksbank School. Flexible working options are available, along with home or hybrid working. Start date: ASAP.
About the role
Are you a payroll expert who takes pride in getting things right the first time and delivering a first-class, customer-focused service? If you enjoy solving problems, improving systems and making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll join a friendly, supportive and genuinely collaborative team where your expertise will be welcomed, valued and trusted. This is a hands-on role with real ownership—giving you the opportunity to shape and lead a high-quality payroll service while driving continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation.
Responsibilities
- Lead all aspects of payroll delivery.
- Manage payroll systems and HMRC compliance.
- Oversee Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) requirements.
- Ensure payroll processes run smoothly, accurately and in line with best practice.
- Confidently manage payroll returns and queries.
- Maintain robust, audit-ready processes.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the organisation.
- Support the next phase of organisational development with technical expertise, with potential opportunities to step into leadership.
What we’re looking for
We want someone who is solutions-focused, curious and proactive—someone who enjoys taking on new challenges and playing an important role in further embedding and developing our payroll and pensions service.
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits, including flexible hybrid working with opportunities for homeworking to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Diversity
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
How to apply
If you’d like a chat about the role before making a formal application, please contact Natalie Parkinson at n.parkinson@TLT.school. If you’re ready to apply, please complete our online application before the deadline.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to behave in a way that supports this commitment and are subject to an enhanced DBS check. Please be aware that it is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. If you are shortlisted for interview, we will undertake an online public search in line with guidance from the Department for Education and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
Payroll & Pensions Service Manager - Together Learning Trust employer: Kirklees Council
Together Learning Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work environment, allowing you to thrive as a Payroll & Pensions Service Manager. With flexible working options, including home and hybrid arrangements, we promote a healthy work-life balance while offering opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in our organisation and contribute to the continuous improvement of our payroll services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Pensions Service Manager - Together Learning Trust
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Kirklees Council!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Kirklees Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Pensions Service Manager - Together Learning Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Kirklees Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Kirklees Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Kirklees Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Kirklees Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Kirklees Council.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Kirklees Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Kirklees Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
