Payroll and Pensions Manager

Payroll & Pensions Manager £42,000 – £45,000 per annum Cambridge / Huntingdon (Hybrid working available) Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week Sector: Education / Public Sector Support Services About the Role An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll & Pensions professional to take ownership of a key function within a busy and supportive organisation. This role is responsible for delivering a fully compliant, accurate, and efficient payroll and pensions service, supporting a large and diverse workforce. You will play a pivotal part in ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, while also overseeing complex public sector pension schemes and driving continuous improvement across payroll processes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys both operational delivery and process development within a collaborative environment. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness Oversee all HMRC submissions and ensure full PAYE compliance Manage and administer public sector pension schemes including TPS and LGPS Complete pension reconciliations and statutory returns Maintain and develop the payroll system (iTrent or similar), including reporting and process improvements Produce payroll reports, forecasts, and financial data for internal and external stakeholders Support audits by providing accurate documentation and payroll evidence Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, systems, and service deliveryAbout You We are seeking a detail-focused and experienced payroll professional with strong technical knowledge and a proactive approach to service improvement. You will have: Proven experience in payroll management (public sector experience desirable but not essential) Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, and statutory requirements Experience managing pension schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS Confidence using payroll systems such as iTrent or similar HR/payroll platforms Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills Strong communication skills with the ability to work across teams and stakeholdersWhat’s on Offer Salary: £42,000 – £45,000 per annum Hybrid working (Cambridge / Huntingdon sites) Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays and Christmas closure Strong employer pension contributions (TPS and LGPS schemes) Free on-site parking, including EV charging On-site cafés, restaurants, and retail outlets (including Costa & Starbucks) Health cash plan, occupational health, and wellbeing support Free gym membership option and discounted fitness classes Employee assistance programme and confidential counselling support Discounts on retail, travel, and college courses Continuous professional development opportunitiesAdditional Information This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory pre-employment screening. The vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is identified, so early applications are encouraged. Meridian Business Support is a recruitment specialist acting on behalf of our client as an Employment Agency for this vacancy