Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Payroll Manager to lead and manage a complex, high-volume payroll and pensions service within a large public sector environment.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely and fully compliant processing of approximately 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pension payments each month, alongside maintaining robust financial controls and statutory compliance.

You will act as the organisation’s payroll subject matter expert, providing specialist advice on complex payroll and pensions matters, interpreting legislation, and ensuring adherence to HMRC and other regulatory requirements. A key part of the role is safeguarding the organisation from financial risk, penalties, and reputational impact.

This is a pivotal leadership position within a busy finance function, offering the opportunity to shape and improve payroll services that directly impact thousands of employees and pensioners. You will play a key role in driving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and delivering value for money across the service.

Location: London

Salary: £63K Per Year

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll and pension’s function
• Ensure accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing in line with legislation and organisational policies
• Act as the primary expert for complex payroll queries and statutory interpretation
• Oversee payroll reconciliation, error management, overpayments, and corrective action processes
• Maintain robust internal controls and lead on internal and external audit requirements
• Produce high-quality financial, statutory, and committee-level reports
• Manage Service Level Agreements and relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, partner organisations, and external agencies
• Lead, manage, and develop a specialist payroll team, driving high performance and continuous improvement
• Contribute to savings programmes, financial planning, and service transformation initiatives
• Deputise for the Head of Payroll & Pensions when required

Skills and Experience

• Strong in-depth knowledge of HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance, and public sector pensions
• Proven experience managing large and complex payroll operations in a high-volume environment
• Experience leading and developing teams effectively in a demanding setting
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Confident interpreting complex legislation and ensuring compliance
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across public sector or large organisations
• Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills
• Requirements
• Relevant degree or professional payroll/finance qualification OR substantial equivalent experience
• Demonstrable experience managing large-scale payroll and ensuring statutory compliance
• Strong understanding of GDPR, financial regulations, and audit processes

INDRRH