Trust Payroll and Contracts Manager

Trust Payroll and Contracts Manager Scale 11 — £49,282 - £53,460 37 hours per week Where Precision Meets Purpose What if your payroll expertise didn’t just keep systems running – but helped schools thrive? We are looking for an exceptional Trust Payroll & Contracts Manager to lead our payroll and pensions function across the Trust. This is a pivotal role for someone who enjoys complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference to the lives of staff. This isn’t a routine payroll role. It’s strategic, people‑focused, and influential – with the opportunity to shape systems, advise senior leaders, and lead a dedicated payroll team that supports schools to focus on what matters most: education. About the role As Trust Payroll & Contracts Manager, you will: Lead and develop the Trust’s payroll and pensions service, ensuring it is accurate, compliant and timely Act as the Trust’s expert on payroll, pensions and contractual matters, providing clear, confident advice to colleagues and senior leaders Oversee monthly payroll for a large, complex workforce, including pensions, statutory returns and year‑end activity Line manage and develop payroll staff, creating a supportive and high‑performing team Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to improve systems, reporting and processes Anticipate and implement changes in legislation, ensuring the Trust remains compliant and well‑informed Translate complex regulations into clear, sensitive advice for staff and schools You will report to the Director of People and work closely with the CEO, CFOO and school leaders, giving you genuine visibility and influence. Who we are looking for You’ll be someone who: Has significant experience in payroll (preferably Edupay) and pensions, ideally in a large or complex organisation Holds (or is working towards) a recognised payroll, pensions or finance qualification (e.g. CIPP) Has strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC and pension schemes Is confiden