Payroll Manager

Step into a pivotal payroll leadership role and make a tangible impact across a respected national public body.

As Payroll Manager, you’ll oversee complex multi-entity payrolls, lead a skilled and motivated team, and drive key projects that enhance efficiency and accuracy across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to combine operational ownership with strategic influence while enjoying flexibility and genuine career development.

What you’ll gain:

• Leadership and team development – manage a knowledgeable payroll team, fostering growth, confidence, and expertise across multiple payrolls.
• Project and transformation experience – lead initiatives including electronic timesheet implementation, process improvements, and system enhancements.
• Strategic exposure – collaborate closely with senior finance managers, HR, and other stakeholders, shaping payroll delivery and influencing operational decisions.
• Professional growth – develop experience across multi-entity payrolls and diverse pension schemes, strengthening your technical and managerial profile.
• Flexibility and benefits –enjoy a supportive hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and enrolment in a highly sought-after pension scheme.

What you’ll do as the Payroll Manager:

• Take ownership of end-to-end payroll delivery for several separate entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments for thousands of staff.
• Manage monthly and year-end payroll processes, including reconciliations and reporting.
• Resolve complex payroll queries and coach your team to handle challenging situations independently.
• Collaborate with HR on pension payments and other payroll-related processes.
• Lead payroll projects, driving process improvements, system changes, and enhanced reporting.
• Translate organisational objectives into actionable plans for your team, ensuring operational and strategic goals are met.

What you’ll need:

• Experience managing payroll end-to-end, ideally across multiple teams or entities.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll processes and compliance.
• Hands-off leadership style with experience developing and motivating a team.
• Excellent organisation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with payroll systems (ideally iTrent) is desirable.
• Public sector experience is a plus, but not essential.

Location & working pattern:
Based in Swindon, with a flexible hybrid model (minimum two days per week in the office). Condensed hours or further flexibility can be considered for the right candidate.

Ready to take the lead?
This Payroll Maneger position is a unique opportunity to combine operational expertise with strategic influence, support and develop a high-performing team, and shape the future of payroll across a nationally respected organisation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.