Payroll Lead

Payroll Lead

Birmingham | Hybrid – 2 days in the office | £40k - £43k | Permanent

Take ownership of a 1,000-person payroll and play a key role in transforming how it’s delivered.

This is an opportunity to take the lead on payroll within a large, purpose-led organisation supporting people across the UK. With around 1,000 employees across a variety of roles, from teaching staff to frontline support workers, there’s plenty of complexity to get your teeth into. You’ll be the go-to person for ensuring people are paid accurately and on time, combining hands-on payroll processing with the oversight needed to keep everything running smoothly.

There’s also a major change on the horizon. A new HR system is being introduced, with payroll moving onto the platform in the near future. You’ll play a central role in getting the data, processes and checks ready for the transition, helping shape a more efficient payroll service as the organisation grows.

What you’ll gain

• A major system transformation to get involved in – play a key role in moving to a new HR and payroll platform
• Real ownership and influence – become the key point of contact for payroll across Finance, HR and the wider organisation
• A varied, interesting payroll – work across different contracts, working patterns, overtime, sleepover allowances and term-time calculations
• The chance to shape the function – help strengthen controls and build a more efficient payroll service
• A role where accuracy really matters – ensure around 1,000 colleagues are paid correctly and can rely on the service you deliver

What you’ll do

• Oversee and personally carry out payroll calculations, checks and adjustments
• Review payroll data received from HR, resolve discrepancies and meet strict processing deadlines
• Lead payroll data preparation, reconciliation and testing for the new system implementation
• Manage payroll queries and act as the escalation point for pay issues
• Liaise with HMRC, pension providers and other external partners
• Support and develop the payroll team, building consistency and confidence across the function
• Improve payroll procedures, documentation and controls, including the future integration of expenses

What you’ll bring

• Strong hands-on experience processing payroll from start to finish within a medium or large organisation
• Up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments, including maternity and sick pay
• Experience handling payroll calculations, reconciliations and complex pay queries
• Confidence working with payroll systems, Excel and large volumes of employee data
• Experience with expenses and payroll system changes would be beneficial
• A resilient, proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and support less experienced colleagues

Interested?

If you’re an experienced payroll professional who enjoys getting hands-on, solving problems and improving how payroll works, this is a chance to take ownership of a substantial payroll operation and help shape its next stage.