Payroll & HR Systems Manager (Education)

Main Purpose
To manage, deliver, and continuously improve payroll and HR information systems within an education establishment. The role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing, provides expert advice on payroll legislation and pensions, and supports HR systems development to enable effective, data‑driven decision‑making. All work must maintain strict confidentiality and comply with GDPR.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Management
  Manage end‑to‑end monthly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Act as the main contact for the external payroll provider, resolving issues and ensuring service standards are met. Maintain payroll system configuration, including upgrades, testing, and integrations. Apply expert knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, and salary sacrifice schemes. Administer maternity pay, sick pay, and other leave entitlements. Ensure correct application of holiday pay regulations across all contract types (including term‑time and casual staff). Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance checks. Implement pay awards, incremental progression, and contractual changes. Provide payroll guidance to staff and managers. Work with Finance to support payroll reporting and budget monitoring.
• Pension Administration
  Administer pension schemes in partnership with payroll providers. Ensure accurate contributions, submissions, and auto‑enrolment compliance. Act as the main contact for pension queries and external providers. Support audits and regulatory returns. Promote staff awareness of pension schemes (without giving financial advice).
• HR Systems & Data
  Oversee HR systems, ensuring effective use and continuous improvement. Support system upgrades, data quality, and reporting capabilities. Provide training and support to users. Produce reports and analysis to inform workforce planning and improvements.
• People Services Support
  Assist with HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, compliance checks, and record maintenance. Produce HR documentation and maintain secure electronic records. Act as a professional first point of contact for queries.
• General Duties
  Ensure compliance with organisational policies, including GDPR, equality, safeguarding, and health & safety. Support wider organisational activities (e.g. events, enrolment). Engage in continuous professional development. Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment.

Person Specification

• Essential
  Level 2 qualifications (including English and Maths) or equivalent experience. Proven experience managing payroll processes and systems. Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, NI, and statutory payments. Experience with pensions administration and payroll reporting. Strong Excel and data analysis skills. High level of accuracy, organisation, and confidentiality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to learn systems quickly and support others.
• Desirable
  Payroll qualification or willingness to achieve one. Experience with HR/payroll systems (e.g. iTrent). Knowledge of Teachers’ Pension and Local Government Pension schemes. Experience in HR systems administration or data management.

The establishment is committed to safeguarding, ensuring the safety and welfare of young people. Employment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. For this role you need to be a UK resident and eligible to work in the UK.