Payroll & Pensions Manager

Job Description

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Payroll & Pensions Manager

Cambridgeshire (hybrid working available) Full-time - 37 hours per week £42,000 - £45,000 per annum Permanent, full-year contract

We’re looking for an experiencedPayroll & Pensions Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, accurate, and compliant payroll and pensions service within a further education establishment. 

This is a key role within our Human Resources function, responsible for managing end-to-end payroll operations through our iTrent system and ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time. You’ll also oversee pension processes across both Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), ensuring full statutory compliance and excellent service delivery.

You’ll take full ownership of payroll and pensions operations, including:

• Managing the monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy across pay, tax, National Insurance, and statutory deductions
• Submitting FPS/EPS returns to HMRC and completing all year-end processes
• Overseeing payroll data quality across the organisation, including absence, leave, and contractual changes
• Monitoring and maintaining approval workflows in iTrent to ensure robust controls
• Managing all aspects of pension administration (TPS and LGPS), including reconciliations, reporting, and compliance
• Leading auto-enrolment processes and ensuring adherence to The Pensions Regulator requirements
• Producing payroll, pension, and management reports, including forecasting and budget data
• Acting as the main contact for HMRC, DWP, and pension providers
• Leading payroll audits and ensuring accurate reporting to external agencies
• Line managing and developing a Payroll/HR Administrator

You will also play a key role in maintaining and improving the iTrent HR/payroll system, supporting automation, reporting, and system optimisation across the College. 

We’re looking for a detail-oriented and proactive professional who can bring:

• Proven payroll management experience in a medium to large organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll xwzovoh legislation, PAYE, and National Insurance
• Experience managing public sector pensions (TPS and/or LGPS highly desirable)
• Experience working with HR/payroll systems (iTrent or similar)
• A recognised qualification in payroll/pensions (e.g. CIPP, AAT Level 4)
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to resolve complex payroll issues
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and a methodical approach
• Confident communication skills and the ability to build relationships across teams

Apply now

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact, drive improvements, and take ownership of payroll and pensions delivery, we’d love to hear from you.