At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure seamless payroll and pensions for 5000 colleagues.
- Company: Join National Express, a major UK brand with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, family benefits, solid pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic workplace with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll management while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and extensive payroll processing experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
Lead the Way as our Payroll & Pensions Manager! Are you a strategic leader with a passion for precision and a deep understanding of the UK's financial landscape? National Express is looking for a Payroll & Pensions Manager to head up our in-house processing at National Express House. In this managerial role, you won't just be overseeing numbers; you will be leading a dedicated team of five direct reports to ensure our National Express UK Bus colleagues—circa 5000 people—are supported by seamless weekly and monthly payrolls. From managing complex pension schemes to navigating the latest legislative shifts, you will be the expert voice ensuring we remain compliant, efficient, and employee focused.
What you’ll do
- Lead & Empower: Maintain a high performing team through effective recruiting, coaching, and performance management, ensuring every team member has the capacity to deliver.
- Drive Compliance: Take full responsibility for payroll control, authorisation, and sign off, while performing regular audits to ensure total adherence to HMRC rules and Living Wage application.
- Master the Schemes: Manage both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including auto enrollment, salary sacrifice arrangements, and annual declarations to the Pension Regulator.
- Navigate Legislation: Keep the business ahead of the curve by studying new payroll legislation and advising management on vital updates.
- Collaborate & Support: Work closely with third parties like the DWP and HMRC, and partner with our HR team to align activities with our wider strategy.
- Technical Stewardship: Maintain and test our HRIS system to ensure functionality meets both business requirements and legal standards.
- Care for our People: Support colleagues through pension queries, administer life renewal processes, and work with the Head of HR to handle death in service claims.
What you’ll bring
- Proven Leadership: A strong leader with significant experience in people management and team development.
- Technical Expertise: Extensive experience processing end to end, diverse payrolls, with a high level of proficiency in SAP Business Objects and HRIS software.
- Deep Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of UK payroll legislation (Income Tax, NI, Statutory Leaves, SSP) and DC pension compliance.
- Analytical Prowess: Meticulous attention to detail and strong data analytical skills to manage risks and produce accurate reporting.
- Communication Skills: The ability to manage stakeholders across the business and communicate complex legislative changes clearly.
- Top Tier Qualifications: A CIPP Degree in Payroll Management is highly preferred.
What you get for bringing the energy
- Free Travel: Enjoy free bus and coach travel across our entire network for you.
- Family Benefits: Complimentary travel for your nominated person or partner.
- Future Security: Access to a solid company pension and life assurance.
- Wellbeing First: Support from our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.
If you are ready to lead a critical function for a major UK brand, it’s time to jump in. We’re building an inclusive workplace and we want you to be part of it!
Payroll Manager in Birmingham employer: National Express Bus
At National Express, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values precision and teamwork. As a Payroll & Pensions Manager, you will lead a dedicated team in a supportive environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development while enjoying benefits like free travel across our network and access to a robust pension scheme. Join us at National Express House, where your expertise will directly impact the well-being of our 5000 colleagues, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at National Express on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pension schemes. We want you to show off your expertise, so think about how you can relate your experience to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've empowered teams in the past and how you plan to maintain high performance at National Express.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the National Express family.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise in payroll processing, especially with UK legislation. 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 payroll and pensions management. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and navigated complex payroll issues—this will help us see your potential.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since attention to detail is key in this role, make sure to highlight your analytical prowess in your application. Mention any tools or software you’ve used to manage payroll data effectively, as this will resonate with us at National Express.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Express Bus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll & Pensions Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in payroll legislation and pension schemes. Brush up on the latest HMRC rules and be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated complex payroll scenarios in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams effectively. Think about times when you’ve coached team members or improved performance. Highlight your ability to empower others and maintain a high-performing team.
✨Stay Ahead of Legislation
Familiarise yourself with recent changes in payroll legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you keep updated and how you would advise management on these vital updates. This shows your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex payroll concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to manage stakeholders across the business, so being able to communicate clearly and effectively is key. Consider role-playing with a friend to refine your delivery.
