Pension and Payroll Lead

What skills and experience we're looking for

• West Suffolk College,Bury St Edmunds– Hybrid opportunity
• 1 FTE- 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year- Permanent

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Salary

£32,205 - £36,084 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Pension and Payroll Lead to oversee the effective delivery of payroll and pensions administration across the organisation. This key role will ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, manage auto-enrolment and pension scheme administration, and act as the primary liaison with our outsourced payroll provider. You will play a vital role in maintaining accuracy, managing risk, and ensuring the smooth and timely processing of payroll and pension contributions.

Working closely with HR, Finance, and external partners, you will lead on quality assurance, resolve discrepancies, and provide expert guidance to colleagues on payroll and pensions matters. You will also support the ongoing development of processes, documentation, and training, helping to embed best practice and improve understanding across the organisation. In addition, you will contribute to system improvements, including supporting transitions and ensuring continuity of service.

The successful candidate will bring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-focused approach. You will be highly organised, confident in interpreting legislation, and able to communicate complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders. If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a critical function and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.

What the school offers its staff

• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Free parking
• Canteen
• Company events
• Access to various memberships and discount schemes
• Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days
• Funded subject course development for your role
• Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities
• Career progression opportunities

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.