The Chelmsford Learning Partnership
Trust Payroll and Contracts Manager
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Trust Payroll and Contracts Manager
Trust Payroll & Contracts Manager
Salary: Scale 11 — £49,282 - £53,460 Hours: 37 hours per week Location: Chelmsford
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 navigating complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference in 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 allows 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, fostering a supportive and high-performing team
- Collaborate 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, schools, and senior leaders
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You’ll report to the Director of People and work closely with the CEO, CFO, 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
- Manages deadlines, detail, and competing priorities with confidence
- Enjoys supporting others, explaining complex information clearly and tactfully
- Takes pride in delivering an excellent service with first-time accuracy
Experience with Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) and/or LGPS is desirable, though your ability to learn, adapt, and lead is equally important.
Why join us?
- A role with real impact across schools and central services
- The chance to shape and improve systems—not just run them
- A Trust that values professionalism, collaboration, and development
- Supportive senior leadership and strong cross-team working
- A people-centred organisation committed to staff wellbeing and professional growth
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We are proud to be a Trust where expertise is valued, voices are heard, and continuous improvement is encouraged.
If you’re a payroll professional seeking challenge, influence, and purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
The Chelmsford Learning Partnership is committed to:
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people
- Promoting equality of opportunity and celebrates diverse backgrounds
- Embedding fundamental British values—democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect
- Being an inclusive, equal opportunities employer—prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, religion, gender identity, or civil partnership status
We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
All applications must be made via the official application form (CVs are not accepted). Pre-employment checks (DBS and references) will be required.
Closing Date: 2026-07-10
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