Job description
Deputy Payroll Manager
Senior Consultant
Middlesbrough
Hybrid
Full Time
Permanent
REQ002999
XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential.
Our Pensions Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Deputy Payroll Manager to join our vibrant Middlesbrough office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar role where they have gained knowledge and experience of Pensions Payroll.
A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.
Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work - Everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It’s about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued. Because they are.
The Team
Our award-winning pensions administration business puts scheme members at the heart of everything we do. Our services include scheme administration, first-time outsourcing, member communications and scam protection.
Learn more here:
The Role
As a Deputy Payroll Manager with XPS you will:
1. Work closely with the Payroll Team and Payroll Managers to ensure provision of high quality pension payroll services to both beneficiaries and Trustees. In addition, you will be expected to participate in strategic business changes i.e. critical success factors, implement decisions made by the Board and Principals and understand the issues that affect the performance of the Company.
2. Be involved in a wide range of pension payroll, management and consultancy tasks. As Deputy Payroll Manager you will have responsibility for the service delivery within your team in terms of quality, profit and sustainability for an assigned XPS Administration client portfolio as well as the day to day line management of the designated team.
3. Manage day to day activities of staff to ensure efficient and effective delivery of all work. Hold regular workflow meetings with senior team members (where needed) to manage progress and resolve any issues.
4. Monitoring accuracy performance and SLA’s for the team, including activity and client performances, and taking action to ensure targets are met.
5. Helping identify training needs across the team and assisting with developing and mentoring team members.
6. Conducting regular one to ones and catch up meetings, including mentoring meeting with staff in probation and liaising with Payroll Manager regarding appraisals.
7. Sharing information to team members on service delivery objectives and targets for assigned client portfolio. Presenting of technical matters at team meetings.
8. Coordinating team compliance with mandated initiatives, such as mandatory training and effectively communicating the importance and impact of these requirements.
9. Supporting, motivating and coaching colleagues to the benefit of the team and wider Company.
10. Attending and actively contributing in Management meetings.
11. Deputise at Payroll Manager Meetings when necessary.
12. Ensuring the accurate update of time recording for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities.
13. Seeking ways of innovating and improving quality, service delivery and efficiencies in processes and procedures.
14. Maintaining a Client focused approach, able to develop trusting and credible partnerships with Clients and Admin Teams both face to face and via the telephone.
15. Proactively identifying potential issues and driving timely resolutions to minimise the impact on members.
16. Updating internal change control and other schedules and spreadsheets as required.
17. Ensuring breaches, errors and complaints logs are promptly completed and regularly reviewed.
18. Assist in recruitment process including interviews.
19. Take part in marketing and new business activities including completing tender responses, attending pitches and presenting at site visits.
20. Providing expert advice solutions to pensions payroll queries and pensions consultative advice; keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions industry, and providing technical support to more junior staff
21. Drive and support efficiency projects across team.
22. Provide guidance to team members on items such as utilisation and recoverability so there's more of an awareness at all levels.
23. Overseeing the project management of annual and ad-hoc projects such as year-end HMRC returns pension increases. Ensuring projects are fully monitored and completed in line with customer and legislation requirements.
24. Attend trustee meetings when opportunity arises.
Your profile
Essential Criteria
25. Able to demonstrate an expert knowledge of pension payroll administration activities and apply this knowledge to any scheme payroll.
26. Previous pension payroll administration experience of Public Sector schemes including running of payrolls on a computerised system, balancing month-end and year-end returns. This role is likely to appeal to individuals with c. 4-5 years’ + experience although not exclusive as all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
27. Thorough knowledge of pension payroll legislation framework and demonstrable ability to remain informed of changes to the framework.
28. Previous supervisory or management experience is required ideally including performance monitoring, appraisals, recruitment etc.
29. Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work related experience or academic achievements as listed below.
30. IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook & PowerPoint.
31. Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
32. Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification - minimum grade B.
What we offer:
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We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include:
33. Competitive salary
34. Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
35. 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
36. Flexible Bank holidays
37. Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
38. Healthcare cash plan
39. Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
40. Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
41. XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
42. Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
43. Access to a digital GP service
44. Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
45. Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS
What next:
If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.
Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.
If you do not feel ready to apply or still have questions, please email us by clicking
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:
46. Right to Work confirmation
47. DBS Disclosure check
48. Employment or educational references covering five years
49. Satisfactory credit check
We continuously strive to build an inclusive workplace where all forms of diversity are valued, including age, background, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Please note we reserve the right to close our vacancies early and we only accept CVs direct from candidates or our preferred supplier list.
XPS try wherever possible to respond to all applicants if for any reason you have not heard from us within 28 days of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.