At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our People Operations Team to support HR, payroll, and employee benefits.
- Company: West College Scotland, a leading educational institution with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 45 days holiday, pension scheme, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team that enhances employee experiences and drives efficiency.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR or administration, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace promoting diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 29088 - 31432 £ per year.
Department / Sector: People Team
Grade 3 Salary Scale £29,087.84 to £31,432.52 pro-rata, per annum (plus generous staff benefits package)
Initial salary placement will normally be on the first point of the scale and will increase by annual incremental progression.
Hours: Multiple
Location: Hybrid
Closing date for all completed applications is Friday 3 April 2026 (midnight).
The People Operations Assistant interviews are currently scheduled for Thursday 9 April 2026 and the Payroll and Employee Benefits Assistant on Friday 10 April 2026.
We anticipate the selection process will include an interview and assessment task.
We are introducing a brand-new People Systems & Operations Team Shared Service to provide a simpler, faster and more consistent way to access transactional HR, Payroll and People support, all through one central point. This is an exciting transformation for West College Scotland, bringing together People Services, Payroll and digital systems into a modern, customer-focused service that puts efficiency, innovation and employee experience at its heart.
If you’re looking to be part of a forward-thinking team where your work genuinely shapes how services are delivered, this is your opportunity.
- People Operations Assistants (1279) - Full and/or part-time hours available: This is an exciting opportunity to join our new People Systems & Operations Team, playing a pivotal role in delivering a high-quality, consistent and customer-focused service across the employee lifecycle. Reporting to the People Systems and Operations Manager, you will act as a Tier 1 contact within our modern Shared Services model, providing accurate administrative support and clear procedural guidance through the Service Desk and digital channels. You will log, track and manage requests in line with agreed service standards and SLAs, escalating matters where appropriate, while maintaining high standards of data integrity within iTrent and associated systems. Supporting key processes including recruitment, onboarding, contractual changes, absence administration and payroll-related documentation, you will work within established policies while promoting self-service and digital workflows. As part of a forward-thinking and digitally enabled People function, you will contribute to continuous improvement, GDPR compliance and audit standards, helping to deliver a consistent, efficient and professional employee experience. We are looking for a confident and capable communicator who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume and customer-focused environment, with strong organisational and ICT skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities. You will demonstrate professionalism, integrity and sound judgement, handle confidential information appropriately and build strong working relationships, supported by an SVQ Level 3 in Administration (SCQF Level 6) or equivalent, alongside experience in a confidential HR or administrative environment, including supporting HR processes, maintaining accurate system records and contributing to a digitally driven, continuous improvement-focused service.
- Payroll and Employee Benefits Assistant (1274) - 28 hours per week: This is an exciting opportunity to join our new People Systems & Operations Team, playing a key role in delivering a modern, compliant and high-performing payroll and benefits service. Reporting to the Payroll and Employee Benefits Advisor, you will help ensure payroll accuracy, statutory compliance and financial integrity, supporting end-to-end payroll processing, pensions administration and employee benefits within a digitally enabled environment. Acting as a first point of contact through our Service Desk, you will provide timely, professional support, resolving routine queries and escalating more complex matters where required, while maintaining high standards of data quality, system control and audit readiness. As part of a forward-thinking Shared Services model, you will contribute to continuous improvement, automation and efficient workflows, helping to deliver a consistent, transparent and trusted payroll experience across the College. We are looking for a confident and technically capable payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to service excellence. You will have a solid understanding of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments and pensions administration, alongside experience of end-to-end payroll processing and maintaining accurate records within defined procedures and service standards. Educated to IPP Certificate level in Payroll Administration, SVQ Level 3 (SCQF Level 6) or equivalent, you will bring the professionalism, judgement and integrity needed to handle sensitive data and support a high-quality, digitally driven payroll function.
We are an inclusive place to work: At West College Scotland we are ambitious about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. If you’ve got the right skills and qualifications for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability - visible and non-visible including neurodiversity, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Benefits of working with us: This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Scotland's sector leading colleges. The College offers an outstanding benefits package including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 45 days holiday (pro-rata) (including bank & public holidays).
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay (subject to eligibility).
- Opportunities for hybrid working.
- Access to a dedicated wellbeing team and a 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme.
- Support to enhance your skills through a variety of methods including online learning, coaching and self-directed study.
Full details of the skills and qualifications required can be found on the employee specification. Any offer of employment will be subject to receiving a satisfactory Scheme Record through the Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG). All candidates must be able to prove their Right to Work in the UK. Please note West College Scotland does not provide Visa sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Mandy Campbell.
People Operations Assistants & Payroll & Benefits Assistant. Job in Paisley Education & Trainin[...] employer: West College Scotland
Contact Detail:
West College Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land People Operations Assistants & Payroll & Benefits Assistant. Job in Paisley Education & Trainin[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research West College Scotland and their People Systems & Operations Team. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their forward-thinking team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to HR, payroll, and customer service, so you can confidently showcase your skills and experience when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! In a fast-paced environment like this, communication and organisation are key. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed competing priorities or resolved conflicts in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to leave a positive impression and keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace People Operations Assistants & Payroll & Benefits Assistant. Job in Paisley Education & Trainin[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially those related to HR processes and payroll.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the roles involve a lot of interaction, emphasise your communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate how you can effectively convey information.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in these positions. Make sure your application is free from typos and errors, and provide specific examples of how you've maintained accuracy in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us!
How to prepare for a job interview at West College Scotland
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description for the People Operations Assistant or Payroll and Employee Benefits Assistant roles. Familiarise yourself with key responsibilities like managing requests, supporting HR processes, and maintaining data integrity. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during your interview. Think about how you would handle situations related to payroll accuracy, customer service, or data management. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a People Operations Assistant or Payroll and Employee Benefits Assistant, strong communication is key. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully communicated with colleagues or clients in the past. Use examples that highlight your ability to explain complex information clearly and build strong working relationships.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in these roles, especially when dealing with sensitive data and payroll processing. Prepare examples from your previous experience where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was catching an error or ensuring compliance with regulations. This will reinforce your suitability for the role.