Head of Payroll, Pensions and People Systems

TPP Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Head of Payroll and Pensions to lead a complex payroll and pensions portfolio in SW London. This full-time role requires CIPP qualification and experience in managing payroll in medium to large organizations. You will ensure compliance, manage pension schemes, and oversee payroll operations for approximately 2400 employees. The role offers hybrid working and generous benefits, including 42 days of leave and employer contributions to a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

42 days leave per annum

Competitive pension scheme with employer contribution

Hybrid working options

On-site exercise facilities

Qualifications

• Must be CIPP qualified.
• Experience in managing a payroll function in a medium or large organization.
• Operational experience of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pensions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll/pensions operations for 2400 employees.
• Ensure compliance with payroll processes and timely accurate payments.
• Manage and develop pension schemes ensuring compliance.

Skills

CIPP qualified

Management experience in payroll

Operational experience of Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution schemes

HR/Payroll systems knowledge (iTrent)

Experience with pension schemes: SAUL, USS, NHSSS

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.