Payroll And HR Systems Manager in Harrogate

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll & HR Systems Manager to join our People Services team at a thriving Further Education college near York. This is a pivotal role responsible for the effective management, delivery, and continuous improvement of payroll and HR information systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and excellence in service delivery.

You will play a key role in enabling data-driven decision-making across the College, while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, compliance, and customer service.

• Lead and manage all payroll processing activities, ensuring accurate and timely monthly payroll delivery.
• Act as the primary liaison with the managed payroll provider, ensuring data integrity and SLA compliance.
• Oversee payroll system configuration, upgrades, testing, and integrations.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Administer maternity, sick pay, and leave entitlements, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Apply correct holiday pay calculations across a range of contract types, including term-time-only and casual staff.
• Conduct payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance checks.
• Implement pay awards, incremental progressions, and contractual changes.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to staff and managers on payroll matters.
• Work closely with Finance to support payroll reporting and budget monitoring.
• Administer pension schemes in partnership with the payroll provider, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
• Manage auto-enrolment processes and pension contributions.
• Act as the main contact for pension providers and queries, including historical cases.
• Support audits, data reconciliation, and annual returns.
• Promote staff understanding of pension schemes through guidance and coordinated sessions.
• Oversee HR systems, ensuring optimal functionality and continuous improvement.
• Support system upgrades, enhancements, and data accuracy initiatives.
• Provide training and support to improve team capability in system use.
• Develop and produce reports to inform workforce planning and strategic decision-making.
• Support a range of HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, CPD, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Maintain secure and accurate electronic records in line with data protection requirements.
• Act as a professional and approachable first point of contact for internal and external queries.

• Proven experience in end-to-end payroll management and HR systems administration.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, pensions, and employment-related payments.
• Experience managing payroll systems, ideally within an education or public sector environment.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to produce meaningful reports.
• A high level of accuracy, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-focused approach.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and improving systems and processes.

• Be part of a supportive and collaborative People Services team.
• Contribute to meaningful work that supports staff and student success.
• Access to ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and work-life balance.

This role requires a high level of safeguarding responsibility. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments where needed.