Payroll Operations & Interface Lead (People Services)

About the role

We are partnering with a large public sector organisation undergoing transformation in its People Services function. The newly created Payroll Operations & Interface Lead will act as the critical link between HR, Finance and an outsourced payroll provider, driving connectivity and proactive, insight‑led payroll management.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the primary interface with the outsourced payroll provider (SBS) and manage escalation of complex payroll queries.
• Improve visibility of payroll issues, identify trends, root causes and systemic challenges.
• Lead operational management of the payroll provider, ensuring delivery against KPIs and SLAs.
• Develop and manage the People Services team, including performance, development and workforce planning.
• Document and enforce consistent payroll processes, systems and procedures.
• Strengthen SLA adherence and stakeholder accountability across HR, Finance and operations.
• Introduce structure, governance and automation to ticketing, workflows and user experience.
• Provide expert advice on payroll, tax, NI and statutory compliance.
• Support organisational change such as redundancy, pay protection and restructuring calculations.
• Identify whether issues stem from the external provider or internal processes.
• Monitor upcoming regulatory changes and assess impact on payroll.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of payroll and people services.

Required profile

• Strong payroll expertise, preferably gained within a payroll services or outsourced environment.
• Experience working at the interface of HR, Finance and external payroll providers.
• Proven ability to lead a team and manage performance.
• Excellent analytical skills to identify trends and drive process improvements.
• Knowledge of payroll, tax, NI and statutory compliance requirements.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive change in a complex organisation.

Required skills

• Payroll software (e.g., SBS platform)
• HR information systems (HRIS)
• Finance systems

What we offer

• Salary range £57,000 – £64,750 per annum (Band 8A)
• 12‑month fixed‑term contract with potential to become permanent
• Hybrid working – 1‑2 days per week onsite in Bicester with free parking
• Opportunity to shape a newly created role within a transforming public sector organisation