This maternity cover contract is working with a thriving multi-academy trust making a real impact across the East Midlands. You'll lead on all things Payroll, Pensions & Benefits, as part of the HR function, based at their HQ near Grange Park, Northampton. This is a full end-to-end payroll service supporting 600 employees across seven schools, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and exceptional service delivery. What you'll be doing: Manage payroll-related changes including starters, leavers, contract amendments and personal data updates Administer employee benefits, salary sacrifice schemes and childcare vouchers Manage LGPS (Buckinghamshire & West Northamptonshire) and Teachers' Pension Scheme processes Ensure compliance with HMRC, PAYE, NI, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.) Produce payroll reconciliations, statutory returns, and audit documentation Line managing and coaching a Payroll Administrator who will support you running the service What you need to bring: CIPP Level 3 is essential here, Level 5 even better Strong experience delivering payroll within a complex organisation — ideally education or public sector Excellent knowledge of HMRC legislation and statutory payroll requirements Experience with HR and Payroll systems, ideally Every HR and Staffology Why you'll love this job: You'll be part of a friendly, well-established, knowledgeable HR team Competitive salary of £45,000 Great benefits including generous local government pension scheme, plus access to health and wellbeing services. If you're a payroll specialist who thrives on accuracy and enjoys supporting people just as much as processing numbers, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.