Job Description

TKAT Corporate Services, Sidcup, Kent


Professional services


Full time


Fixed Term Contract

(Y)Our Opportunity

Are you a payroll expert who thrives on leading people and refining processes?
TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust) is looking for a proactive

Payroll & Pensions Team Leader

to lead our function into its next chapter. This isn't just about processing numbers; it's about taking ownership of a service that supports 3,500 employees across our Multi-Academy Trust.
By ensuring our school staff are paid accurately and on time, you enable them to focus on what matters most: the students.
Leading a skilled team, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll operation, championing continuous improvement and driving efficiencies through system optimization and best practice. This is a key leadership role for someone who combines technical mastery with the ability to inspire others and deliver positive change at scale.

Your Role as a Leader

The Talent Catalyst:

Mentor and inspire a skilled payroll and pensions team. You'll foster a "continuous learning" culture where your team doesn't just work - they grow.

The Process Pioneer:

You'll have the autonomy to challenge the "way we've always done it." From system optimization to automation, you will drive efficiencies that make a tangible difference.

The Trusted Partner:

You'll build bridges with our schools, providing expert guidance and ensuring every interaction with the payroll team is positive, professional, and helpful.

Who You Are

An Inspirational Leader:

You don't just manage a team; you lead with passion and pride. You have a natural ability to bring everyone on the journey with you, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective success.

Driven by Integrity:

You uphold the Nolan Principles and are passionate about the impact education has on society.

A Technical Expert:

You have a deep understanding of payroll legislation and the complexities of education/public sector pensions.

A Problem Solver:

You don't just spot a mistake; you find the root cause and fix the process so it doesn't happen again.

A Change Agent:

You are energized by a "blank canvas" and love the idea of process review and system improvement.

What's In It For You?

Generous Employer Pension Contribution of 15.6%

- helping you build long-term financial security with a substantial investment into your future.

Flexible working:

Term Time working available

Headspace Subscription:

free access to the leading wellbeing and mindfulness app to support your mental health every day.

Mindfulness programme:

free eight-week mindfulness course for adults (8 X 90 min, out-of-hours sessions).

Bluelight Discount Scheme:

exclusive savings on shopping, dining, travel and more, so your hard-earned salary goes further.

Cycle to Work Scheme:

spread the cost of a new bike and enjoy a healthier, more sustainable commute.

Funded development training:

A vast array of courses available to help develop in a chosen area and subject-specific accreditations.

About US

TKAT is one of the largest multi-academy trusts, based in the South and East of England, supporting over 45 primary, secondary, and special schools. Our purpose is simple: We work together so that every pupil, regardless of background, has the opportunities and support to thrive. As an employer, we are equally committed to creating a people-first culture where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to make a difference every day.

Ready to Lead?

If you are passionate about improving services, developing teams, and making a meaningful impact within education, we want to meet you. For any further information regarding this opportunity please email corporatepeoplehub@tkat.org
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of applications.

Safeguarding

TKAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.

Flexible working

TKAT recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. In TKAT we promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.

Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

At TKAT, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Access to interview

Be Who You Are at TKAT - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.