Payroll Manager (6‑month contract)

About the role

The Payroll Manager will lead the Payroll, Pensions and Employee Benefits functions within HR Shared Services, ensuring accurate and timely end‑to‑end processing for internal staff and sold‑service customers.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage payroll, pensions and benefits services, overseeing BACS production, RTI submissions and finance interfaces.
• Maintain robust control procedures to ensure compliance with HMRC, pensions legislation, data protection and internal policies.
• Provide full people management for the payroll team, including recruitment, induction, training, performance and attendance management.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with internal managers, employees, external customers and suppliers, handling complex pay and benefits issues.
• Monitor performance metrics and drive process improvements to increase productivity, accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee payroll‑related financial activities such as finance file submissions, third‑party payments, recharges and management of sold‑service income streams.
• Stay up‑to‑date with legislative changes and lead related projects.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading payroll, pensions and benefits functions in a shared services environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, pensions rules and data protection.
• Demonstrated people‑management skills, including recruitment, development and performance management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and customer service orientation.
• Ability to analyse performance data and implement process improvements.

Required skills

What we offer

• 6‑month contract based in Derby, fully onsite.
• Pay rate £23.92 per hour via PAYE or £30.82 per hour via Umbrella.
• Opportunity to lead a dedicated payroll, pensions and benefits team.