Payroll & Pensions Business Partner

Payroll and Pensions - Business Partner

Are you a seasoned payroll professional looking for a role that combines strategic leadership with operational excellence? The position of Business Partner – Payroll & Pensions offers a unique blend of responsibilities that will challenge and reward you in equal measure. This role is integral to ensuring the delivery of a compliant, efficient, and customer-focused payroll service, supporting strategic objectives. If you are passionate about payroll governance, statutory compliance, and digital transformation, this role could be your next career milestone.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as the recognised subject matter expert on payroll, pensions, and statutory pay.
• Manage high-risk payroll issues and internal audit recommendations.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, providing expert advice.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.
• Develop payroll capability across People Team colleagues.
• Lead payroll workstreams associated with organisational changes, including transfers and TUPE activity.
• Ensure accuracy and compliance in all payroll processes, including statutory reporting and GDPR adherence.
• Maintain accurate pension records and prepare monthly and annual returns.
• Provide regular payroll reports and ensure data aligns with approved staffing structures.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of HR and payroll systems.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience leading complex payroll services in a multi-site organisation.
• Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) qualification.
• Strong technical payroll knowledge, including taxation and statutory requirements.
• Solid understanding of pensions (TPS and/or LGPS).
• Experience in payroll transformations and system implementations.

Desirable

• Membership to the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Experience in an education or public sector environment.
• Awareness of child protection/safeguarding issues.

This role reports to the Director of the People Team and requires enhanced DBS clearance. It offers the chance to influence strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement within the Trust.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now to become a pivotal part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in payroll and pensions management