Are you an experienced payroll professional looking for an opportunity to lead, influence and modernise payroll operations within a growing organisation?We're seeking a Payroll Manager to take ownership of payroll delivery, ensuring colleagues are paid accurately, on time and in line with all legislative requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to combine operational excellence with transformation, helping to shape the future of payroll through process improvement, automation and system development. About the Role As Payroll Manager, you'll lead the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring a compliant, accurate and efficient payroll service across the business. You'll act as the payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance on legislation, governance and best practice while working closely with People Systems, Finance and Technology teams to enhance payroll processes and systems.This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact by driving continuous improvement initiatives, increasing automation and supporting wider business transformation projects. We are recruiting this role on a fixed term basis for 2 years and are happy to accept applications from people who can do full or part time.

What you will do?

• Leading the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery across the organisation.
• Ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC requirements, pensions and statutory obligations.
• Managing relationships with payroll providers, pension providers and third-party partners.
• Developing and maintaining robust payroll controls, governance processes and procedures.
• Leading payroll reconciliations, year-end activities and statutory submissions.
• Acting as the escalation point for complex payroll queries and issues.
• Reviewing and redesigning payroll processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and colleague experience.
• Identifying opportunities for automation, standardisation and continuous improvement.
• Leading payroll system upgrades, enhancements, testing and change initiatives.
• Producing payroll reporting, metrics and insights to support business decision-making.
• Supporting strategic transformation projects and ensuring payroll services remain fit for future growth.

Who you are

You'll be a proven payroll leader with strong technical knowledge, exceptional attention to detail and a passion for delivering outstanding service. You'll be comfortable building relationships across the business and driving meaningful improvements to payroll operations.

• Significant payroll management experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, pensions, HMRC requirements and statutory compliance.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers and service delivery partners.
• Proven experience leading payroll transformation, process improvement or change projects.
• Payroll systems administration, enhancement and testing experience.
• Strong analytical, reporting and problem-solving capability.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable Experience

• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll qualification.
• Experience of iTrent Payroll.
• Payroll implementation or migration project experience.
• Knowledge of HR systems and payroll integrations.
• Experience within a professional services environment.
• Project management or continuous improvement qualifications.

What's in it for you?

This is more than a payroll management role. It's an opportunity to shape how payroll operates in the future, influence key business decisions and drive improvements that enhance colleague experience, operational efficiency and business performance. You'll play a critical role in ensuring a high-quality payroll service while helping to modernise and transform payroll capability for the years ahead. You will also get:

• High levels of flexibility and a great work life balance -
• A well-rounded remuneration package (which includes private medical insurance, income protection insurance and discounted gym membership, amongst many other benefits)
• Opportunities for growth and progression including professional funding
• In person and remote social events
• Opportunity to get involved in a range of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, which aligns closely to our cultural principles (Determined, Clear, Creative and Supportive). If you are excited about this role and being part of our culture, but your past experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

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