Payroll Manager – London | Permanent
Salary: £63,816 per annum
Location: London (minimum 3 days per week in the office)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Seven Resourcing is recruiting for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and oversee a high-volume, complex payroll function within a large public sector environment. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery, while driving continuous improvement, managing risk, and supporting strategic financial operations.
You will act as the subject matter expert for payroll, providing specialist guidance to senior stakeholders, managing a skilled team, and ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Leadership & Oversight
* Lead the end-to-end delivery of payroll services, managing the accurate processing of thousands of employee salaries and pension payments monthly
* Ensure payroll operations are compliant with HMRC regulations and other statutory requirements
* Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries and issues
* Maintain full accountability for payroll accuracy, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions where required
Compliance, Audit & Risk Management
* Interpret and apply complex payroll legislation and regulatory guidance
* Oversee all payroll returns, ensuring timely submission to avoid financial penalties
* Implement and manage robust audit processes, including coordination of internal and external audits
* Ensure data protection, GDPR compliance, and secure handling of sensitive payroll data
Financial Management & Reporting
* Monitor payroll budgets and ensure effective financial control across the service
* Produce detailed financial reports and provide insights to senior leadership and stakeholders
* Support savings and efficiency initiatives, ensuring financial targets are achieved
* Oversee income collection, recharges, and internal cost allocation processes
Team Leadership & Development
* Manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing payroll team
* Conduct regular performance reviews, appraisals, and training plans
* Handle complex employee relations matters including performance, capability, and disciplinary issues
* Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high service standards
Strategic & Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with internal departments, external partners, and agencies
* Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and transformation initiatives
* Lead on payroll-related projects, including system improvements and implementation of new technologies
* Represent the service in senior meetings, working groups, and external forums
Additional Responsibilities
* Support legal processes including tribunal preparation and attendance when required
* Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and contingency plans
* Lead contract negotiations related to payroll services to ensure value for money
* Ensure business continuity planning for payroll operations in case of system or site disruptions
Requirements
* Extensive experience managing payroll operations within a complex organisation
* Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension processes
* Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and financial management skills
* Experience handling audits, compliance, and risk within payroll functions
* Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Why Work with Seven Resourcing?
At Seven Resourcing, we connect skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities where they can make a real difference. With nearly a decade of industry expertise, over 3,000 five-star reviews, and a reputation for award-winning service, we provide continuous support, career development, and access to rewarding roles that align with your experience and aspirations.