Detailed job description and main responsibilities Key responsibilities Provide full line management to the Pay, Benefits & Expenses team, including performance management, appraisals, wellbeing and staff development Lead day-to-day payroll, benefits & expenses operations, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and within agreed deadlines Act as the first point of contact with the Payroll Provider, leading regular operational meetings Manage and resolve complex and sensitive pay and benefits queries, including overpayments and retrospective adjustments Oversee quality assurance processes, identifying errors, embedding learning and driving continuous improvement Ensure compliance with Agenda for Change, Medical & Dental Terms & Conditions, NHS Pension Scheme regulations, HMRC requirements and Trust policies Support audits, maintain accurate ESR records and ensure robust payroll controls Contribute to service improvement initiatives, automation and the implementation of national pay and pensions changes Build strong working relationships across People Services, Finance, CMGs and external partners Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Educated to degree level, or equivalent relevant experience Payroll/Pensions qualification (CIPP) Evidence of ongoing learning and development Desirable criteria Experience of using ESR Experience Essential criteria Experience working in payroll, pensions and employee benefits within a complex organisation Experience supervising and leading teams Experience of handling complex pay cases and providing first-line support to colleagues or customers Desirable criteria Experience supporting service change or automation Experience of working in an NHS or public sector organisation Experience contributing to process improvement or service development Knowledge & Skills Essential criteria Confident IT skills including use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection when handling sensitive information Excellent attention to detail and quality focus Strong knowledge of Agenda for Change, Medical & Dental terms and conditions and statutory pay requirements Able to understand and interpret changes in local, national and statutory regulations Working knowledge of NHS Pension schemes Communication and relationship skills Essential criteria Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders Ability to explain complex or technical information in a clear, accessible way for different audiences Confident in responding to queries, managing expectations and providing guidance to users Able to work collaboratively as part of a team and proven interpersonal skills to build positive working relationships Analytical and Judgement skills Essential criteria Ability to follow processes accurately and identify errors, issues or exceptions Able to investigate problems, gather relevant information and escalate appropriately Excellent analytical skills and ability to quickly interpret data/information from a variety of sources and correctly apply complex national regulations Desirable criteria Experience monitoring performance and supporting reporting activity Experience contributing to process improvement or service development Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours Essential criteria Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential criteria Able to demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs. All staff are expected to engage in compassionate and inclusive leadership in the provision of high quality care and interactions with others Other requirements specific to the role Essential criteria Ability to travel to Trust sites Additional Information Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms. Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you. UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible. UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs. Disclosure and Barring Service Check Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment. The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check. COVID 19 Risk Assessment Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors. If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager. Covid Vaccination Status Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities. Employer certification / accreditation badges