Payroll and Pension Manager

About the Role 

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Payroll and Pensions Manager to lead our payroll and pension operations, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of all payments and statutory returns. This role is critical in maintaining confidence, compliance, and operational excellence across the organisation.

You will oversee end‑to‑end payroll, manage our pension schemes, support financial reporting, and act as a trusted advisor to HR, Finance, and senior leadership. This position is ideal for a detail‑driven professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and can balance operational delivery with strategic improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the monthly payroll and pensions cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments.
• Oversee pension scheme administration, including auto‑enrolment, contributions, salary sacrifice and regulatory reporting.
• Act as the subject‑matter expert on payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension regulations.
• Maintain and reconcile payroll records, ensuring integrity of data and alignment with the financial ledgers.
• Manage payroll and pension year‑end processes, statutory returns, and audit requirements.
• Ensure robust internal controls and support continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems.
• Provide guidance to colleagues, managers, and stakeholders on payroll policies and pension matters.
• Lead and develop the payroll and pension team, promoting a culture of accuracy, service excellence, and accountability.

 About You

• Significant experience managing complex payrolls, ideally within a multi‑site or medium‑to‑large organisation.
• Strong technical understanding of PAYE, NI, statutory payments, and pension regulations.
• Experience managing both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including LGPS, TPS, USS.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• Proficient in payroll systems and confident working with HR/Finance software.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop, and engage a team.
• A relevant professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) is desirable.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• Supportive, collaborative working environment

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.