Job Description

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Trust HR & Payroll Officer

Required ASAP

Contract:

30 hours per week, term time plus 2 weeks (41 working weeks per year). Additional working weeks will be required during August.

The normal working pattern will be agreed with the line manager and will normally be worked over 4 or 5 days per week, subject to operational requirements. The working pattern, including any non-working day, may be varied following reasonable notice to meet operational requirements, including payroll processing deadlines and payroll cut-off dates.

Salary:

Essex Scale 5, Points 10-13
£27,694 to £29,064 FTE (pay award pending)

Actual Salary:

£20,198 to £21,197 per annum

Benefits:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Opportunity to work across a thriving and supportive family of schools

About the Role

Are you a highly organised and detail-focused administrator looking to develop your career in HR and payroll?

The HIVE Family of Schools is seeking a professional and enthusiastic Trust HR & Payroll Officer to join our central team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting our schools by delivering accurate, efficient and confidential HR and payroll services across a growing Trust.

Working closely with school leaders, managers, our payroll provider and central Trust colleagues, you will be responsible for maintaining employee records, processing payroll information, preparing employment documentation and supporting the smooth operation of HR and payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Trust's central point of contact for payroll administration.
• Process payroll variations, starters, leavers and contractual changes.
• Prepare contracts, variation letters and employment-related correspondence.
• Maintain accurate employee records and workforce data.
• Support payroll checking, reconciliation and reporting processes.
• Provide administrative support to Trust-wide HR processes and initiatives.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues across our schools and central team.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Can work accurately with numerical and employee data.
• Has experience in an administrative environment.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office applications.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
• Can manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

Experience of HR, payroll or workforce management systems, such as People First, would be advantageous, although full training will be provided.

Why Join HIVE?

• Work across four successful schools within a growing Trust.
• Be part of a collaborative central team.
• Access ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to the development of Trust-wide HR and payroll services.
• Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge in HR, payroll and workforce management.

You will be based in our central office in the School House on the Moulsham Schools site and will work closely with colleagues across the Trust. As a growing Trust, the role may also support future schools that join us.

Closing Date: Monday 12th October at 12pm

Interview Date: Tuesday 20th October 2026

Information about the Trust and our Schools:

The HIVE Family of Schools comprises four successful schools: Moulsham Junior School, Moulsham Infant School, Writtle Infant School and Writtle Junior School. Whilst each school is successful in its own right, all benefit from being part of the HIVE Family, which was officially formed in April 2025.

This collaborative relationship has helped improve outcomes for children, supported staff professional development and enabled leaders to share best practices. The HIVE Family of Schools is committed to providing inclusive, high-quality education and meeting the diverse needs of all pupils. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our pupils feel safe, happy and able to thrive.

As an equal opportunities' employer, HIVE family of schools is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age; disability; gender re-assignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race (which includes ethnic origin, nationality and ethnic or national origins); religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join HIVE family of schools.

HIVE family of schools is committed to safeguarding our pupils against radicalisation and extremism and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

In compliance with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all applications must be made on an application form, CVs will not be accepted.  This appointment will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references.

How to Apply: Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.

Applications are to be made via the Essex Schools Jobs Website www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk

We may decide to close the advertisement sooner in the event that suitable candidates are shortlisted before the closing date.

If you would like more information, please contact our HR & Finance Manager Yasha Singh on 01245-352098 or email ysingh@hivefamily.co.uk

Visits to the Trust are warmly welcomed, please contact Yasha or recruitment@hivefamily.co.uk to arrange a visit.