Head of Payroll, Pensions and People Systems

TPP RECRUITMENT; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist university in the health and science sector is seeking an interim Head of Payroll, Pensions, and People Systems in London. This full-time position entails leading a complex payroll operation with a £50m budget and managing multi-scheme pensions. The ideal candidate will be CIPP qualified and have substantial payroll management experience, particularly in higher education or similar organizations. The role offers hybrid working options and generous benefits, including 42 days of leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

42 days leave per annum

Competitive pension scheme

Hybrid working options

On-site exercise facilities

Qualifications

• CIPP qualified required.
• Experience managing a payroll function in a medium or large organization.
• Experience with SAUL, USS and NHSSS pension schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll and pensions operations ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Manage and develop pension schemes providing expert advice to senior leaders.
• Own HR/Payroll systems maintaining salary structures and functionality.

Skills

CIPP qualification

Staff management experience

Operational experience with Defined Benefit pension schemes

Operational experience with Defined Contribution pension schemes

Experience with NHS or higher education payroll functions

Knowledge of HR/Payroll systems (iTrent)

Tools

iTrent

Agresso

Job description

Are you a Head of Payroll and Pensions seeking a new challenge or an experienced Manager seeking a step up?

A specialist SW London university in the health and science space is seeking an interim Head of Payroll, Pensions and People Systems to lead a complex payroll and multi-scheme pensions portfolio. The role is full time and on site 3 days per week.

The Role:

You will lead the payroll/pensions operations with an annual budget of c£50m and approx. 2400 employees. You will ensure that each stage of the payroll process complies with due processes and procedures, all staff are paid on time and accurately, correct payments are made and appropriate information provided to the pension schemes, HMRC and other statutory bodies. You will provide advice and expertise on Payroll and Pension issues and identify the impact and implications of national imperatives and legislation developments.

Benefits:

• 42 days leave per annum
• Membership to a competitive pension scheme with generous employer contribution
• Hybrid working and flexible working also considered
• On-site exercise facilities

Key duties will include:

• Lead an accurate, compliant and efficient payroll & pensions service, overseeing monthly processing, multi-scheme administration, statutory returns, external payments and strong internal controls.
• Manage and develop all pension schemes, ensuring regulatory compliance, accurate contributions, clear staff guidance, and expert advice to senior leaders on scheme changes, retirements and cost implications.
• Own the HR/Payroll systems (iTrent & Agresso), maintaining salary structures, configuration and functionality, resolving issues quickly, and testing/implementing software updates and new releases.
• Drive continuous improvement, streamlining processes, updating procedures, enhancing verification checks, and producing management reporting while partnering closely with HR and Finance.

Essential experience and skills required:

• CIPP qualified
• Experience of managing a payroll function in a medium or large sized organisation (preferably higher education or NHS or similar size)
• Operational experience of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes
• Staff management experience
• Experience of the following pension schemes: SAUL, USS and NHSSS
• Experience and knowledge of HR/Payroll (preferably iTrent) and Finance systems

Application:

Apply today with just your CV and a member of the TPP team will be in touch with you shortly if your skills and experience align with the requirements of the role.

Closing date: 5th December

Interview dates: 15th and 16th December

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.