Head of People Systems, Pay and Benefits

Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits .

The opportunity

Scale. Complexity. Impact. Every month, we run 38 payrolls ensuring almost 4,000 colleagues across one of the South East’s largest multi-academy trusts are paid accurately and on time. We also flawlessly administer two of the country’s largest public sector pension schemes.

As Head of People Systems, Pay and Benefits, you will lead the team responsible for payroll, pensions, systems, and workforce data. This is a role for a leader who thrives on complexity, values responsibility, and wants to shape the future of our digital People Services. You will inherit a service with strong foundations and have the autonomy to drive major systems improvements, expand iTrent self-service, and enhance strategic workforce reporting.

What you will be doing

You will provide strategic leadership for payroll, systems and benefits whilst leading an experienced team responsible for:

• Delivering 38 monthly payrolls accurately, compliantly and on time.

• Leading the Trust's administration of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Acting as the strategic lead for iTrent, driving system development, self-service and continuous improvement.

• Leading future HR and payroll systems procurement and supplier relationships.

• Developing workforce reporting through Business Objects, providing insight that informs executive and governance decision-making.

• Producing statutory workforce reporting, including Gender Pay Gap reporting and wider people analytics.

• Developing and enhancing employee benefits that strengthen the Trust's employer offer.

• Ensuring the highest standards of governance, compliance, audit and payroll controls.

Who we are looking for

• iTrent Expert: You haven’t just used iTrent; you have configured, challenged, and optimised it.

• Pensions Authority: You know the TPS and LGPS inside out, from contributions and returns to employer responsibilities.

• Data-Driven Leader: You use Business Objects to transform raw data into meaningful insights that shape organisational strategy.

• Strategic Thinker: You view technology as an enabler to automate and simplify processes, backed by a proven track record of managing payroll at scale.

Education sector experience is an advantage, but technical expertise, attention to detail, and professional curiosity matter most.

Why join us?

This is far more than a payroll role. You will join an ambitious People Services leadership team with genuine executive backing, giving you the autonomy to modernise services and directly improve the experience of 4,000 colleagues.

What we offer

• Salary of £60,000 - £75,000 per annum, depending on experience

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, with Shared Cost AVCs available for LGPS members

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after five years’ service, plus bank holidays

• Hybrid working

• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay

• Two weeks’ paternity leave at full pay from day one of employment

• Medicash Health Cash Plan, providing reimbursement of everyday health costs including optical, dental and health screenings

• Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 virtual GP service, available to you and your immediate family

• Financial wellbeing support, including flexible access to pay as it is earned, budgeting tools and financial education resources

• Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work

• Free on-site parking

• Professional development opportunities, including access to CPD, qualifications and specialist training

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lorraine Mottram, People Director , at View email address on tes.com .

pplying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): View email address on tes.com / View phone number on tes.com .

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here , which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about it on our Careers site . All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.