At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: People-centred public sector organisation focused on staff wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and team development.
- Why this job: Shape payroll systems and influence senior leaders while supporting your colleagues.
- Qualifications: Significant payroll experience and a relevant qualification, ideally in the public sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Payroll professional seeking challenge, influence and purpose? Our client, a people‑centred public sector organisation committed to staff wellbeing and development, now has a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead their payroll and pensions function. This pivotal role will suit someone who enjoys complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference to the lives of colleagues.
This isn't a routine payroll role. It's strategic, people‑focused, and influential - with the opportunity to shape systems, advise senior leaders, and lead a dedicated payroll team. Reporting to the Director of People and working closely with the CEO, CFO and other leaders, this role will provide genuine visibility and influence.
As Payroll Manager, you will:
- Lead and develop the organisation's in-house payroll and pensions service, ensuring it is accurate, compliant and timely.
- Act as an expert on payroll, pensions and contractual matters, providing clear, confident advice to colleagues and senior leaders.
- Oversee monthly in-house payroll for a large, complex workforce, including pensions, statutory returns and year‑end activity.
- Line manage and develop payroll staff, creating a supportive and high‑performing team.
- Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to improve systems, reporting and processes.
- Anticipate and implement changes in legislation, ensuring the organisation remains compliant and well‑informed.
To be considered you will require:
- Significant experience in payroll and pensions, ideally gained in a large or complex organisation, preferably within the education sector or wider public sector.
- A recognised relevant payroll or pensions qualification (e.g. CIPP), or be working towards this.
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC and pension schemes.
- Experience of using and developing usage of payroll systems (EduPay desirable).
- The ability to manage deadlines, detail and competing priorities and explain complex information clearly and tactfully.
- Knowledge and experience of public sector pensions schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS.
Payroll Manager employer: Morgan Law client
Join a forward-thinking public sector organisation that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. As a Payroll Manager, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions and improve payroll systems, all while working in a supportive environment that values accuracy and complexity. With a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of colleagues, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and pensions field. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their payroll function.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Payroll Manager. Highlight your strategic thinking and people-focused approach, as these are key to influencing senior leaders and shaping systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in payroll and pensions, especially in complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can make a difference. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in leading teams or improving payroll systems. We want to know how you've made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law client
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll and pensions knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current legislation, PAYE, and pension schemes relevant to the public sector. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a payroll team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability to create a supportive and high-performing environment.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This isn't just about processing payroll; it's about influencing and advising senior leaders. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped systems or processes in previous roles. Think strategically about how you can contribute to the organisation's goals and be prepared to share your ideas.
✨Practice Clear Communication
You'll need to explain complex information clearly and tactfully, so practice articulating your thoughts on payroll matters. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague where you explain payroll concepts in simple terms. This will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
