Payroll, Pensions & Benefits Manager – FTC
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum
Northampton
Monday – Friday, full time

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join a growing and values-driven organisation, on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering a timely, accurate and fully compliant payroll service that supports and values colleagues across multiple sites.

You will play a vital role in ensuring payroll excellence, overseeing pensions and benefits administration, and acting as a trusted advisor to staff and senior stakeholders. Working closely with People & Culture, Finance and operational teams, you will help maintain robust processes, drive continuous improvement and ensure statutory compliance at all times.

Key Responsibilities:
*Prepare and process monthly payroll for all employees
*Administer pension schemes, including Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes
*Ensure full compliance with HMRC and statutory payroll regulations
*Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting and third-party submissions
*Provide professional payroll, pensions and benefits advice to staff and managers
*Maintain data accuracy and integrity across payroll systems
*Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and service deliver

The Ideal Candidate:
*Proven experience managing payroll in a complex or multi-site organisation
*Strong working knowledge of pensions, statutory regulations and HMRC requirements
*Experience within the educational sector highly desirable.
*High attention to detail with excellent organisational skills
*Confident communicator able to build strong relationships with stakeholders
*Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement