At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the growth of a modern payroll product and shape its roadmap.
- Company: Dynamic payroll software business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare scheme, 25 days holiday, and annual trips.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team in a relaxed office environment with fun perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company and take ownership of product direction.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management within software; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a payroll-focused software business entering an exciting new phase of growth. Having established themselves as a leader within the umbrella payroll space, they are now formally expanding into the wider payroll market with a new product that launched last year and is already live with paying customers. The product has moved beyond proof of concept and is being used to run payroll for thousands of employees across around 100 businesses. With ambitious plans to scale this platform significantly, they are now looking for a Product Manager to take ownership of its next stage of growth.
This is a hands-on, office-based role in Cheadle Hulme, working closely with senior stakeholders, customers and a distributed engineering function to shape a genuinely modern payroll product.
The role
This position will suit a mid to senior level Product Manager who is ready to step up, take ownership and have real influence over product direction. You will work closely with the Product Director and senior leadership, playing a key role in defining strategy while remaining hands-on with delivery. You will be embedded within a small, close-knit UK team, while also working day-to-day with a larger engineering team based in India. This is not an outsourced setup, but an integrated subsidiary that works UK hours and collaborates closely with the product function.
What you will be doing
- Owning and shaping the product roadmap as the platform scales through its growth phase
- Working closely with software engineers, designers and QA to deliver high-quality features
- Collaborating with Sales, Marketing and Executive teams to define value propositions and target markets
- Speaking directly with existing and prospective customers to understand payroll challenges and identify opportunities
- Translating business and user needs into clear user stories, acceptance criteria and prioritised backlog items
- Ensuring the product remains compliant with relevant UK payroll legislation
- Challenging assumptions and contributing to product strategy, not just executing against it
- Planning and executing work within sprint cycles, supporting teams through delivery and removing blockers
- Reviewing completed work against agreed criteria and signing off features
- Feature and backlog management
- Maintaining a clearly prioritised backlog aligned to product vision and commercial goals
- Continuously refining priorities based on customer feedback, market trends and business direction
- Providing well-defined requirements to support efficient and accurate delivery
What they are looking for
- Solid experience working in a product role within a software business
- Ideally someone who has held a couple of product roles and is ready to take on more ownership
- Comfortable working in a regulated environment, with payroll experience a strong advantage but not essential
- Confident communicator, able to engage with users, engineers and senior stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail, particularly around user stories, UAT and sprint delivery
- Experience working with cross-functional and distributed teams across time zones
- Self-starter mindset, comfortable operating with minimal handholding
- Organised, adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, growing business
- Strong mathematical skills
Location and working pattern
- Based in Cheadle Hulme
- Fully office-based, five days per week
- Flexible working hours, with start times between 8–10am and finish times between 4–6pm
Salary and benefits
- £50,000 to £60,000 salary depending on experience
- Medi-cash scheme, allowing claims back for dental and other healthcare costs
- 25 days holiday plus your birthday off
- Annual company trip, with previous destinations including Barcelona, Amsterdam and UK-based locations
- Quarterly social events and regular team get-togethers around Manchester
- Relaxed, social office environment with pool table, darts and Friday drinks
- On-site gym within the building
- Performance-related bonus potential tied to stretch targets
Culture and environment
This is a collaborative, office-led culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and shared ownership. The business values input and challenge, and is looking for someone who will bring ideas, question direction where appropriate and genuinely care about building a great product.
If you are a Product Manager looking to take real ownership of a growing payroll platform and want to be part of a close-knit, ambitious team, this is a strong opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
At Inara Talent, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to shine. We connect great people from all backgrounds with opportunities where they can thrive, making sure hiring is fair, inclusive, and truly diverse. No matter your race, gender, age, ability, or background—we focus on what really matters: your talent.
Product Manager in Bolton employer: Inara
Join a forward-thinking technology consultancy that values innovation and inclusivity, where your expertise as a User Experience Designer will directly impact public sector services. With a commitment to employee growth, you'll collaborate with diverse teams on meaningful projects, all while enjoying a flexible work culture that encourages creativity and professional development. Located in a vibrant area, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape user experiences that genuinely improve lives, making it an excellent place for passionate designers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Bolton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the payroll software industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be when it comes to landing that Product Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s products and their market position. We want you to walk in with insights and questions that show you’re genuinely interested in shaping their payroll platform.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve taken ownership and delivered results. We love hearing about real-life examples that demonstrate your ability to manage product roadmaps and collaborate with teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re all about making connections, so let’s get you in front of the right people for that Product Manager gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Bolton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Product Manager role. Highlight any relevant product management experience, especially in software, and don’t forget to mention your ability to work with cross-functional teams!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Be sure to mention your understanding of payroll challenges and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Product Manager, communication is key! In your application, demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inara
✨Know the Product Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the payroll software and its features. Familiarise yourself with the product roadmap and think about how you can contribute to its growth. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with different teams or influenced product direction. This will demonstrate your communication skills and ability to work in a cross-functional environment.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous product roles. Prepare specific examples that highlight your analytical thinking and attention to detail, especially around user stories and sprint delivery. This will illustrate your capability to manage a product effectively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the company's vision for the product, the challenges they face in the payroll market, or how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
