Payroll & Pensions Leader – Hybrid (Education Trust)

EA First Compass House; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (3 days onsite/2 days)

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Professional development opportunities

Free parking at sites

Job summary

EA First is partnering with a large Multi-Academy Trust in Lancashire to recruit a Payroll & Pensions Manager. You will lead the payroll and pensions service across a complex education environment, coaching three officers and ensuring accuracy and compliance.

The role blends operational delivery with leadership, governance and continuous improvement across Teachers' Pensions and LGPS, with hybrid working and a real impact on outcomes for staff and schools.

Qualifications

• Recognised payroll qualification (CIPP or equivalent).
• Experience with Teachers' Pensions and LGPS in education sector is essential.
• Experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
• Strong understanding of current payroll legislation and pension requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll and pensions function and coach three Officers.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll activity including starters, leavers, pay changes and backpay.
• Act as key contact for complex payroll and pension queries from HR, Finance, schools and central staff.
• Develop, document and improve payroll processes for efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure payroll calculations and submissions are accurate and timely.
• Lead pension reporting for Teachers' Pension Scheme and LGPS arrangements, including MCR/EOYC submissions.
• Manage auto enrolment and LGPS Assumed Pensionable Pay calculations.
• Provide guidance on pension governance, compliance and employer responsibilities.
• Support onboarding of new schools and academy conversions.
• Advise on term-time pay and other education-specific payroll matters.
• Coordinate with external bodies such as HMRC, Teachers' Pensions, LGPS and ONS.
• Collaborate with Finance and HR and support financial audit requirements.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Pensions management

Stakeholder advisory

iTrent experience

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

iTrent

Job description

EA First is partnering with a large Multi-Academy Trust in Lancashire to recruit a Payroll & Pensions Manager. You will lead the payroll and pensions service across a complex education environment, coaching three officers and ensuring accuracy and compliance.

The role blends operational delivery with leadership, governance and continuous improvement across Teachers' Pensions and LGPS, with hybrid working and a real impact on outcomes for staff and schools.