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 work streams 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