Role: Payroll Manager Location: Manchester - Hybrid, one day per week in office Job Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) Salary: £42,000 to £45,000 Role Purpose We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to join a high performing HR Operations team within a nationally recognised social enterprise committed to making a difference in peoples lives. Working within a complex and large-scale environment, the Payroll Manager will play a key role in ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services across a multi-site workforce. This position will combine hands on payroll expertise with team leadership, process improvement and stakeholder management responsibilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys leading teams, improving processes and operating as a senior escalation point within a busy payroll function. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage and coach Payroll and Pension Officers to deliver an accurate and timely payroll service Support the Payroll Manager and take ownership of end-to-end payroll processing in their absence Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll queries, ensuring swift resolution Oversee pension processing activities, including NHS and LGPS schemes Develop, monitor and report on payroll SLAs, driving continuous improvement Maintain and enhance payroll processes, controls and systems Ensure full compliance with statutory payroll requirements and internal policies Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners Lead process improvement initiatives across payroll operations Support the training and development of payroll team members Contribute to wider HR Operations and finance projects as required What We Are Looking For Proven leadership or supervisory experience within a payroll environment Strong end to end payroll knowledge within a complex organisation Solid understanding of payroll legislation and statutory compliance Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data Customer focused mindset with a proactive and solution driven approach Strong communication and stakeholder management skills Well organised with the ability to manage competing priorities Benefits 33 days annual leave, increasing with service up to 35 days Option to purchase additional annual leave Comprehensive total reward package Strong focus on learning, development and career progression Flexible hybrid working model