Payroll, Pensions & People Data Manager

Learn Academies Trust; Wigston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing services

Cycle to Work

Professional development

Career progression

Inclusive workplace culture

27 days + bank holidays

Job summary

Learn Academies Trust is seeking an experienced Payroll, Pensions & People Data Manager to lead payroll assurance, pensions administration and workforce data across the trust. Based at Lubenham or Wigston with hybrid working, you will ensure accuracy, compliance and timely reporting, supporting strategic decision-making with robust workforce information.

You will work with the People & Culture Team, Finance colleagues and our managed payroll provider to deliver reliable payroll

Qualifications

• Experience leading payroll, pensions and people data processes within a multi-site organisation.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, TPS/LGPS and pension reporting.
• Proven ability to produce accurate workforce reports for senior leadership.
• Experience of managing data security and confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly payroll cycle and coordinate with payroll provider.
• Oversee pension scheme administration (TPS/L GPS) and deductions.
• Produce timely workforce information for statutory returns and audits.
• Develop and maintain payroll assurance and data quality controls.
• Provide insights to support budgeting and staffing decisions.

Skills

Payroll processing

Pensions administration

Data reporting

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Cross-team collaboration

Education

GCSE English & Maths (4/C+)

Payroll qualification (CIPP or equivalent)

Tools

iTrent

MHR

Job description

Location: Based at either our Lubenham or Wigston school, with opportunities for hybrid working. We are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements., Learn Academies Trust is seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll, Pensions & People Data Manager to lead and continually improve the Trust's payroll assurance, pensions administration and workforce data arrangements. This is a key Trust-wide role, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity and compliance of payroll, pension and people data processes, whilst providing high-quality workforce intelligence to support strategic decision-making. Working closely with the People & Culture Team, Finance colleagues and our managed payroll provider, you will play a vital role in ensuring our employees are paid accurately, pension arrangements are administered effectively and workforce information is reliable, timely and meaningful.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Payroll Leadership and Assurance

• Lead and coordinate the Trust's monthly payroll cycle in accordance with agreed deadlines.
• Act as the principal operational contact between the Trust and MHR in relation to payroll processing and associated services.
• Develop and maintain robust payroll assurance processes, including verification, reconciliation and quality checks.
• Support payroll year-end activities and review relevant year-end reports and information.
• Ensure payroll records are maintained securely and in accordance with statutory, audit, data protection and Trust requirements.
• Provide advice and support in relation to payroll queries from employees, managers and authorised colleagues., Coordinate and oversee payroll-related aspects of the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) and Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Act as the Trust's principal point of contact for payroll-related pension enquiries.
• Ensure pension contributions, deductions and reporting arrangements are accurate, compliant and completed within required timescales.
• Support pension reconciliations, audits and compliance requirements.

People Data and Workforce Reporting

• Produce accurate, timely workforce information and management reports for the Executive Team.
• Prepare payroll and workforce information for statutory returns, audits, benchmarking exercises, funding requirements and external reporting.
• Support Finance colleagues and budget holders by providing accurate staffing and payroll cost information.
• Produce salary calculations, staffing cost models and workforce planning information for recruitment, restructures and contractual changes.

Systems and Compliance

• Act as the operational lead for payroll-related functionality within iTrent.
• Ensure payroll and workforce data held within iTrent is accurate, complete and maintained in accordance with agreed processes.
• Review and improve payroll, pension, data quality and reporting processes on an ongoing basis.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of personal, payroll, pension and financial information.
  Detailed working knowledge of UK payroll principles and monthly payroll processes.
• Knowledge of statutory payroll payments, deductions and compliance requirements.
• Understanding of pension contribution and deduction processes.
• Experience of working within payroll, pensions, HR systems or workforce data management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to interpret complex payroll and workforce information.
• The ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-specialists.
• Experience of producing accurate and meaningful reports and management information.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines., Experience of working within the education sector, local government or a multi-academy trust.
• Experience of using iTrent/MHR.
• Knowledge of Teachers' Pension Scheme and/or Local Government Pension Scheme administration.
• GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• A recognised payroll qualification, such as a Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals qualification, or demonstrable equivalent payroll expertise.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in payroll, pensions, people data, analytics or a related field.
  At Learn Academies Trust, our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive, collaborative and ambitious environment where colleagues can thrive professionally and personally.
  Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Benefits

• Access to wellbeing services and support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing and ambitious Trust.
• A welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.
• Generous annual holiday entitlement of at least 27 days plus bank holidays

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Learn Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to:

• An enhanced DBS check including a children's barred list check.
• Two satisfactory references (requested prior to interview for shortlisted candidates).
• Online and social media checks.
• Medical clearance.
• Right to work in the UK checks.
• Verification of qualifications and professional status where applicable.