Head of Pay and Pensions (full time or part time) at University of Exeter

This permanent role (full time of part time options available) is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established PS Connect Shared Service Centre that is transforming the way the University’s Professional Services deliver core service. The Shared Service Centre provides a user-focused innovative service to staff, that uses data and new technology alongside highly skilled staff with a strong understanding of user experience and journeys to underpin continual improvement.  

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working (although remote could be considered) and we are very keen to hear from anyone interested in part time hours too.

The Head of Pay and Pensions reports to the Assistant Director (HR), leading the administration of the University pension schemes and supporting the day to day running of the University payroll team. Working closely with other HR and PS Connect teams, you will ensure the payroll and pensions processes are maintained and developed, monitoring the team’s performance and overseeing key projects. You will be in direct contact with members of the pension schemes, providing the expert knowledge to support their pensions journey, as well as working with third party scheme administrators and legal advisors. Duties of this role will include:

• Overseeing the monthly in-house payroll service (the Payroll Manager is responsible for this and would be the deputy to this role)
• Managing the administration of Payroll and Pensions including processing monthly changes and reconciliations, supervising benefits and pension schemes and handling the submission of returns to HMRC and other third parties as required
• Dealing with pension queries for employed staff and contractors, covering the University’s four different pension arrangements that include Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution and Hybrid schemes
• Monitoring compliance and providing support to internal and external audit processes
• Contributing to the review, promotion and development of a suite of payroll benefits which support our Employee Value Proposition.
• Establishing strong relationships with Pension providers, and HMRC and other external processors, and internal customers and colleagues
• Developing the team’s service and capability and promoting a culture of continuous improvement

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a successful Higher Education institution with a forward looking strategy, drawing on your experience and technical knowledge of pension provision to deliver an expert service. We are looking for someone with substantial experience of payroll and pensions management (with the pensions side being the priority), and who can demonstrate strong leadership skills. You will be proficient in relevant software and systems and will have CIPP membership.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. 

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

For a confidential and informal conversation please contact Hannah Crowe, Assistant Director HR (PS Connect) in the first instance at h.crowe2@exeter.ac.uk.