At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and pensions for a multi-academy trust, ensuring compliance with deadlines.
- Company: Join Star Academies, a leading multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young people while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll and pensions, strong communication skills, and team leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Are you an experienced and successful Payroll and Pensions Manager within the education sector with a commitment to meeting multiple external and internal deadlines? Are you ready to play a key role to ensure all payroll and pension obligations are delivered in a high-performing multi-academy trust?
About Star Central
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.
Who we’re looking for
As the Payroll and Pensions Manager, you will be administering and reporting employees’ pension information to all pension schemes (currently Teachers’ Pension Scheme and 4 Local Government Pension Schemes). The successful candidate will need to manage tight payroll cut-off dates alongside the various external reporting deadlines set by the pension schemes and HMRC. You will be the subject expert on education sector specific payroll and pensions subject matters, and you will have three direct reports supporting you in delivering the Trust’s payroll and pension obligations. As the Trust continues to grow, both organically and through conversions, you will lead on onboarding new schools into the Trust’s payroll and pension schemes.
You will have:
- Comprehensive knowledge of industry specific payroll and pension matters.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Management and coaching skills in leading a small central payroll and pensions team.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Staff onboarding experience.
- Experience in public sector defined benefit pension scheme administration processes and education specific terms and conditions.
- Payroll system implementation, configuration and management experience.
- Full commitment to our vision and values.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.
We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at midnight.
- Interview Date: Monday, 12 October 2026.
- Proposed Start Date: As soon as possible.
Application Process
To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Our Commitment
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Payroll and Pensions Manager in Blackburn employer: Star Academies
Eden Boys' School, Preston is an outstanding Muslim faith-based secondary school that offers a unique opportunity for passionate educators to make a significant impact in a disadvantaged community. As part of the Star Academies family, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development through the Star Talent Academy, alongside competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in shaping the future of young leaders while enjoying a rewarding career in a high-performing multi-academy trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Pensions Manager in Blackburn
✨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 Star Academies!
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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 Star Academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Pensions Manager in Blackburn
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 Star Academies. 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 Star Academies 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 Star Academies. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Star Academies'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 Star Academies
✨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 Star Academies.
✨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 Star Academies 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 Star Academies and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
