Payroll & Benefits Manager

Payroll & Benefits Manager Location: Northampton Salary: £45,000 Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (12-month maternity cover) Start Date - ASAP A multi-academy trust based in Northampton is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to join its People & Culture team. This role is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll and pensions services across multiple schools. Key Responsibilities: End-to-end monthly payroll processing for all employees Manage payroll changes including starters, leavers, contracts, and pay amendments Administer employee benefits including salary sacrifice and childcare vouchers Manage LGPS (Buckinghamshire & West Northamptonshire) and Teachers’ Pension Scheme administration Ensure compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements (PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP) Complete payroll reconciliations, reporting, audits, and year-end processes Submit accurate returns and payments to HMRC, pension providers, and third parties Act as first point of contact for payroll-related queries Work closely with HR, Finance, and school-based teams Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems About You: CIPP Level 3 qualified (Level 5 desirable) Proven payroll experience within education or the public sector Strong knowledge of HMRC regulations and payroll compliance Experience administering LGPS and Teachers’ Pension Scheme Excellent attention to detail and data confidentiality Strong IT skills, including Excel and payroll systems (Every HR, Staffology or similar desirable) Able to manage deadlines and work accurately under pressure Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative People & Culture team in a values-driven education organisation, playing a key role in delivering a high-quality payroll service. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please attach your CV to the application or email me directly at (url removed) All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website