Senior Payroll Manager
Salary: £50,000 – £65,000 per annum
Location: Northampton - Hybrid working
Role Overview
A progressive and growing payroll bureau is looking for an experienced and strategic Senior Payroll Manager to lead their payroll team and drive excellence across all payroll operations. This senior role offers the perfect mix of leadership, hands-on expertise, compliance responsibility, and innovation. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery for a diverse client portfolio, while shaping processes and contributing to business growth.
Key Responsibilities
The Head of Payroll will:
* Take full ownership of the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery for all clients.
* Oversee new client onboarding, ensuring smooth set-up and transitions.
* Manage and process larger, more complex payrolls, dedicating around 55% of time to chargeable work.
* Lead, coach, and inspire the payroll team to deliver exceptional service.
* Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, pension requirements, statutory payments, and legislation.
* Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and regular reporting.
* Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external providers to ensure efficient systems and data flow.
* Drive continuous improvement through automation, system upgrades, and process enhancements.
* Act as the subject matter expert for payroll-related queries and escalations.
* Maintain and improve payroll policies and procedures in line with best practice and legislative requirements.
* Manage relationships with third-party payroll vendors and software providers.
* Support business growth by bringing in new clients and enhancing the bureau’s profile.
* Advise on pricing and oversee billing processes.
* Keep abreast of industry changes, providing guidance to partners and stakeholders.
Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will have:
* Proven experience in a senior payroll role, ideally within a bureau, group, or multi-site structure.
* Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance; international payroll experience is a plus.
* Experience with payroll systems such as Sage, PayCircle, or similar; HRIS integration knowledge is desirable.
* Leadership skills with a track record of developing and inspiring teams.
* Exceptional attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills.
* Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* Commercial awareness and experience in client-facing or business development activities.
* CIPP qualification (or equivalent) is desirable.
Benefits
* Competitive salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per annum
* Hybrid working and flexible working arrangements
* Medical insurance
* Annual bonus scheme
* Generous holiday allowance
* Pension scheme contributions
* Continuous professional development and training opportunities
* Collaborative and supportive working environment
Why This Role?
This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll leader to join a forward-thinking bureau with a culture of innovation and growth. With hybrid working, flexible arrangements, a competitive salary, and a strong benefits package, this role offers both career progression and work-life balance.