<div><h3>Role Overview</h3><p>We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll Lead to join our HR team and take responsibility for the operational management and delivery of payroll and pension services across the College. This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll professional with strong technical expertise, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional service to our staff. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, managing pension administration, maintaining statutory compliance, and supporting strategic decision‑making through payroll reporting and analysis.</p><p>About the Role: Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources, you will lead all aspects of payroll and pension administration, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time each month while maintaining compliance with HMRC regulations, Teachers Pensions, Greater Manchester Pension Fund requirements, and other statutory obligations. You will work closely with colleagues across Human Resources and Finance to ensure payroll data is processed efficiently and accurately, while continuously reviewing and improving systems and processes. Please note: This is a full time, office‑based role.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Lead the delivery of an accurate and timely monthly payroll service for all College employees.</li><li>Manage payroll systems administration and relationships with payroll software providers.</li><li>Ensure the accurate integration and processing of payroll data between HR, payroll and finance systems.</li><li>Liaise with HR regarding starters, leavers, contractual changes, overtime, expenses, absences and deductions.</li><li>Complete monthly payroll reconciliations in partnership with the Finance team.</li><li>Develop and implement robust payroll and pension verification processes.</li><li>Ensure all statutory returns and payments to HMRC and other regulatory bodies are completed accurately and within required deadlines.</li><li>Manage all aspects of Teachers Pensions and Greater Manchester Pension Fund administration, including opt‑ins, opt‑outs, retirements and member enquiries.</li><li>Ensure compliance with attachment of earnings orders and other statutory deductions.</li><li>Act as the primary point of contact for payroll and pension‑related enquiries.</li><li>Produce regular payroll reports, annual returns and management information.</li><li>Undertake pay modelling and workforce cost analysis to support management decision‑making.</li><li>Lead payroll and pension audits and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and College policies.</li><li>Complete external returns, including submissions to the Association of Colleges, Department for Education, Office for National Statistics and other relevant organisations.</li><li>Maintain secure handling of payroll and pension information in accordance with GDPR requirements.</li></ul><h3>About You – Essential</h3><ul><li>Experience administering both Teachers and Local Government pension schemes.</li><li>Proficiency in using payroll systems, such as iTrent and Microsoft Excel.</li><li>Significant experience managing end‑to‑end payroll processes.</li><li>Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and statutory reporting.</li><li>Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.</li><li>Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.</li><li>Experience producing payroll reports and reconciliations.</li><li>Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.</li><li>Excellent communication and customer service skills.</li></ul></div>