At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of user-centric HR & Payroll services for a major digital transformation.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector team driving impactful change through digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Remote-first role with occasional travel across the UK for key milestones.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming HR & Payroll services in a large-scale programme.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in HR & Payroll service design with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
HR & Payroll Services Functional Lead
Location: Remote (with occasional UK-wide travel)
Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Sector: Public Sector / Government Services / Digital Transformation
Are you an experienced HR & Payroll shared services leader with deep expertise in service design and delivery?
We’re partnering with a major digital transformation programme delivering critical operational services to a large UK public sector client, and this role sits at the heart of its success.
We’re looking for a HR & Payroll Services Functional Lead to lead the design, implementation, and transition of a scalable, user-centric HR and Payroll service model as part of a large-scale, multi-phase programme of service insourcing and transformation.
What You’ll Be Doing
As the HR & Payroll Functional Lead, you will:
- Lead the creation and delivery of end-to-end service design for HR & Payroll across all phases of the programme
- Shape a high-level operating model aligned with client expectations, technical capabilities, and third-party providers
- Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of analysts, SMEs, and client stakeholders to iterate and finalise the service blueprint
- Ensure alignment between service design, ERP system capabilities (e.g., Oracle), and the internal delivery model
- Oversee the development of Standard Operating Procedures and ensure these inform training, testing, and operations planning
- Drive the execution of test strategies and transition activities including service dress rehearsals, parallel run exercises, and live cutover
- Support service stabilisation (hypercare) post-go-live and act as a key point of escalation for issue resolution
Key Responsibilities
- Lead service design for HR & Payroll that balances user needs, compliance, and delivery capability
- Act as a subject matter expert in workshops with the client, third parties, and delivery teams to align service components
- Facilitate service forums and ensure collaborative input from stakeholders on evolving service designs
- Minimise bespoke developments by aligning to “out-of-the-box” solution capabilities wherever possible
- Ensure service design incorporates accessibility standards and government best practices (GDS methodology)
- Support test planning (UAT, BAT) and contribute to training and knowledge transfer materials
- Assist in early operational support including hypercare and floor-walking to ensure smooth adoption of the new service
About You
Essential Experience:
- 5–8+ years of hands-on experience in HR & Payroll service design within large-scale shared services or transformation programmes
- Experience leading multi-party, client-facing implementations in a complex, regulated environment (e.g., public sector or government)
- Strong knowledge of service operating models, transition planning, and testing in ERP environments
- Demonstrable experience with Government Digital Service (GDS) methodology and user-centred service design principles
- Skilled in negotiating with stakeholders, facilitating alignment across clients, delivery teams, and technology partners
- Ability to manage phased transitions and adapt service designs for interim or evolving operational states
- Experience participating in or leading design authority and governance forums
Desirable:
- Involvement in the design or implementation of Oracle Fusion ERP solutions
- Strong appreciation of UX, WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards, and inclusive service delivery
- Familiarity with tools such as Wave (for accessibility testing)
- Experience delivering services with major global consulting or system integration partners
Additional Information
- Please note - this role requires active or full eligibility for Security Clearance (Level 2)
- Remote-first role with occasional UK-wide travel to support programme milestones
HR Payroll Functional Lead in Chester employer: Develop
As a leading player in the public sector digital transformation space, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. Our remote-first approach, combined with occasional UK-wide travel, allows for flexibility while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Join us to lead impactful HR and Payroll service designs, supported by competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, as you contribute to meaningful change in government services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Payroll Functional Lead in Chester
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Develop!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Develop.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Payroll Functional Lead in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Develop. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Develop and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Develop. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Develop's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Develop
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Develop.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Develop will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Develop and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
