Payroll Manager

Job Description

Are you an experienced Payroll professional seeking challenge, influence and purpose?
Our client, a people‑centred public sector organisation committed to staff wellbeing and development, now has a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead their payroll and pensions function. This pivotal role will suit someone who enjoys complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference to the lives of colleagues.
This isn't a routine payroll role. It's strategic, people‑focused, and influential - with the opportunity to shape systems, advise senior leaders, and lead a dedicated payroll team.
Reporting to the Director of People and working closely with the CEO, CFO and other leaders, this role will provide genuine visibility and influence.
As Payroll Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop the organisation's in-house payroll and pensions service, ensuring it is accurate, compliant and timely
• Act as an expert on payroll, pensions and contractual matters, providing clear, confident advice to colleagues and senior leaders
• Oversee monthly in-house payroll for a large, complex workforce, including pensions, statutory returns and year‑end activity
• Line manage and develop payroll staff, creating a supportive and high‑performing team
• Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to improve systems, reporting and processes
• Anticipate and implement changes in legislation, ensuring the organisation remains compliant and well‑informed

To be considered you will require:

• Significant experience in payroll and pensions, ideally gained in a large or complex organisation, preferably within the education sector or wider public sector
• A recognised relevant payroll or pensions qualification (e.g. CIPP), or be working towards this
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC and pension schemes
• Experience of using and developing usage of payroll systems (EduPay desirable)
• The ability to manage deadlines, detail and competing priorities and explain complex information clearly and tactfully
• Knowledge and experience of public sector pensions schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS