Payroll Team Leader in Edinburgh

Were excited to announce a new opportunity within our People Operations team: a Payroll Team Leader role, newly created to oversee and support a fully functional, in-house payroll team. Were looking for aPayroll Team Leaderwho combines technical expertise with a strong customer service ethos to lead our dedicated payroll team. Its a role with real human impactone that supports something we all rely on but dont talk about enough: being paid correctly and on time.

The Role:

Were looking for a proactive and experienced Payroll & Benefits Lead to join our People team at Edinburgh Napier University. In this key role, youll be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of our Payroll teamensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll and benefits processes across the full employee lifecycle.

Youll provide expert guidance to colleagues across the University on payroll-related matters, including income tax, national insurance, and HMRC legislation, while working closely with both the People and Finance teams to ensure compliance and alignment with internal policy.

As a people-focused leader, youll manage and support the Payroll & Pensions Coordinator and Payroll Assistants, fostering a high-performing, service-driven team committed to delivering an excellent colleague experience.

What you will do:

Lead and develop a high-performing team that puts colleague experience at the heart of everything they do.

Lead a team of Payroll Advisors and Coordinators to deliver accurate, timely payroll services.

Ensure compliance with all payroll, tax, and pension legislation.

Act as a trusted advisor on payroll and benefits matters across the university.

Drive continuous improvement, streamline processes, and champion the use of digital tools.

Collaborate with People and Finance teams to support strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

What you will bring:

Proven leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build, develop, and inspire a high-performing team. You create a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous growth through coaching, clear goal-setting, and supportive performance management.

Proven experience in leading the day-to-day operational delivery of payroll services, including managing team performance, workflows, and service standards in a complex or large-scale organisation

A deep understanding of payroll systems, legislation, and best practice.

A customer-first mindset with a drive to improve processes and enhance the colleague journey.

A passion for innovation, collaboration, and making a difference.

Why Join Us?

This is your opportunity to shape how payroll supports the wider colleague experience. Youll be part of a forward-thinking People team that values integrity, innovation, and inclusionwhere your ideas and leadership will have real impact.

We also offer:

A truly inclusive, friendly working culture

A hybrid and flexible working approach

Sector-leading annual leave and pension benefits (41 days annual leave, generous pension scheme with Employer contribution of 17.6%)

Salary: £37,174 – £45,413 per annum (Grade 5)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time 35 hrs/week

Interviews: 2nd September 2025

On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.