Payroll, Pensions & Benefits Manager – FTC Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum Northampton Monday – Friday, full time We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join a growing and values-driven organisation, on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a key leadership role responsible for delivering a timely, accurate and fully compliant payroll service that supports and values colleagues across multiple sites. You will play a vital role in ensuring payroll excellence, overseeing pensions and benefits administration, and acting as a trusted advisor to staff and senior stakeholders. Working closely with People & Culture, Finance and operational teams, you will help maintain robust processes, drive continuous improvement and ensure statutory compliance at all times. Key Responsibilities: Prepare and process monthly payroll for all employees Administer pension schemes, including Local Government and Teachers’ Pension schemes Ensure full compliance with HMRC and statutory payroll regulations Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting and third-party submissions Provide professional payroll, pensions and benefits advice to staff and managers Maintain data accuracy and integrity across payroll systems Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and service deliver The Ideal Candidate: Proven experience managing payroll in a complex or multi-site organisation Strong working knowledge of pensions, statutory regulations and HMRC requirements Experience within the educational sector highly desirable. High attention to detail with excellent organisational skills Confident communicator able to build strong relationships with stakeholders Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement