People (HR) & Payroll Manager (FTC) in Birmingham

With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

• Department: People, Culture & Talent
• Job Title of Line Manager: Head of People, Culture & Talent
• Direct Reports: Payroll & Benefits Specialist
• Contract: Fixed Term, 6 Month Contract. Ideally July - December 2026
• Hours: 30-37.5 hours per week
• Location: Hybrid, minimum of 3 days onsite

Our People & Payroll Manager will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the People, Culture & Talent department at Birmingham Hippodrome during a period of transition whilst we appoint our next Director of People & Culture. This role will lead on the effective delivery of payroll and benefits administration for all employees and flexible workers, working closely with and line managing the Payroll & Benefits Specialist to ensure an accurate, efficient and people-focused service.

Alongside payroll responsibilities, the postholder will provide expert support across employee relations, employment law developments and the review and improvement of key people policies, procedures and practices. Working as part of the wider People, Culture & Talent team, the People & Payroll Manager will contribute to the delivery of our People Strategy, helping to ensure Birmingham Hippodrome continues to be a positive, inclusive and high-performing place to work for everyone.

ABOUT YOU:

• Significant experience working in a People/HR role with responsibility for people operations.
• Experience managing or overseeing end-to-end payroll processes, ideally including hourly paid workers.
• Experience managing employee relations cases across a range of issues including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying employment legislation and translating this into practical workplace actions.
• Experience reviewing, updating and implementing people policies, procedures and guidance.
• Experience building positive working relationships across stakeholders.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to interpret legislation, assess risk and make sound recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Ability to coach and influence managers with confidence and credibility.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• IT skills including HR systems, payroll systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst also operating independently and taking ownership of priorities.
• Minimum CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Payroll qualification (desirable).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in employment law, payroll or people practice (desirable).

Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds. Please visit our website to apply.

Please note that we may be shortlisting and screening for the role on a rolling basis prior to the close of the job advert. All roles close at 23:59 on the closing date.