Payroll And HR Officer (Maternity Cover)

The Harrodian School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Free lunches during term time

Flu vaccination provided

Access to school facilities

Job summary

The Harrodian School in London is seeking a Payroll and HR Officer on a 15‑month maternity cover basis. You will oversee end-to-end payroll for around 300 staff, coordinate with the outsourced payroll provider and SAM People HR system, and support payroll/pension queries for staff and senior leaders.

You will also contribute to salary reviews and provide day-to-day HR administration, maintaining employee records and references within a busy school setting.

Qualifications

• End-to-end payroll processing experience.
• Experience with payroll software and pension administration.
• Strong administration and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to confidentiality and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll for ~300 staff, liaising with outsourced provider.
• Support payroll and pension queries from staff and leaders.
• Contribute to salary review processes and letters.
• Assist with general HR administration and record keeping.

Skills

Payroll processing

CIPD/CIPP qualified

HR systems (SAMPeople/SIMS)

Administration & organisation

Data protection & confidentiality

Excel proficiency

Communication & service

Education

CIPD/CIPP qualified or part-qualified

Tools

SAMPeople

SIMS

Job description

Job Title: Payroll and HR Officer (Maternity Cover)

Location: Barnes, South-west London

Salary: Salary commensurate on qualifications and experience

Job Type: Full Time, 15 Month Contract (Maternity Cover)

Working days and hours: This is a full-time, year-round role. Full-time working hours are Mondays to Fridays from 08h00 - 17h00 including 60 minutes unpaid for lunch and breaks.

Starting Date: 2nd November 2026

About the Role:

The Human Resources function at Harrodian covers all aspects of people management including payroll and pension administration, recruitment, safeguarding, conditions of employment, performance management and employee relations.

This 15-month maternity cover will provide a superb opportunity for a Payroll and HR professional to build on their experience and develop their career within the education sector. Harrodian is an exciting and supportive environment in which to work and our small on-site HR team provides trusted specialist advice across the school.

This is a varied and responsible role managing the end-to-end payroll operation for approximately 300 permanent and casual staff, working with the school's outsourced payroll provider and SAM People integrated HR system. Reporting to the Head of HR, the successful candidate will oversee all aspects of payroll administration, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, payroll reconciliations and reporting, and pension administration. They will ensure payroll is accurate, timely and compliant. They will respond to payroll and pension queries from staff and provide knowledgeable guidance on payroll and pension matters to colleagues and senior leaders. In addition, they will contribute to the annual salary review process and administer the annual salary review letters.

Alongside the monthly payroll cycle, they will contribute to the generalist HR provision across the school, assisting with the smooth running of general HR processes and administration on a day-to-day basis, including maintaining employee records, providing references, supporting the preparation of employment and contract amendments.

About you:

Essential skills and qualifications:

• Extensive experience of end-to-end payroll processing and software operations;
• CIPP or CIPD qualified or part-qualified (or equivalent from a reputable institution);
• Sound knowledge and experience of using and maintaining HR Systems;
• Proven administration and organisation skills;
• Proven ability to thrive on providing exceptional customer service whilst delivering on a varied and always busy workload;
• Meticulous and accurate with an exceptionally high attention to detail;
• Full understanding of employee confidentiality and data protection with the appropriate handling of sensitive information;
• Strong analytical ability, sound judgement and clear communication;
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office packages, particularly proficiency in Excel with the ability to confidently manipulate data;
• Good time management with the ability to work under pressure and prioritise as necessary;
• Flexible and adaptable in approach to work, with the ability to multi-task;
• Demonstrate a "can do" attitude;
• Willing to learn, develop and improve;
• Willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS with Children's Barred List check, overseas police check (where applicable) and appropriate Safeguarding and Prevent training.

Desirable skills and qualifications:

• Experience of SIMS and SAMPeople or other HRIS;
• Knowledge of Payroll and/or HR within a school or educational environment;
• Safeguarding and Child Protection awareness (although full training will be given in the area of Safeguarding and Child Protection and Safer Recruitment).

Holidays:

The post-holder is entitled to Administration Team holidays, which are 35 days per annum plus Bank Holidays. Annual leave must be taken during School holidays. A timetable is published annually.

Benefits:

• free car park (on a first come first served basis)
• Free refreshments and free lunches during term time
• A free annual flu vaccination
• Free access to some of the school's sport and leisure facilities at stipulated times
• Access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events
• Regular staff social activities such as book club, staff choir and staff pilates
• Access to a well-stocked school library, and a defined contribution pension scheme.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Payroll, Payroll Officer, Payroll Assistant, HR Advisor, HR Generalist, HR Officer, HR Assistant, HR Coordinator may also be considered for this role