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- Tasks: Lead a team to manage payroll and pensions for 500 colleagues at National Express.
- Company: Join National Express, a leader in the transport industry with a focus on employee support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring our colleagues are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and a strong understanding of UK pension schemes.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 500 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.
Payroll & Pensions Manager employer: National Express
Contact Detail:
National Express Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Pensions Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and pensions field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pension schemes. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss, so you can confidently showcase your expertise when it matters most.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in managing teams and driving compliance. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've empowered your team to achieve success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Pensions Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Precision: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your attention to detail and passion for accuracy. We want to see how you’ve tackled complex payroll or pension issues in the past—give us the juicy details!
Lead with Leadership Experience: Since this role involves managing a team, share your leadership experiences. Talk about how you've empowered your team members and driven performance. We love hearing about your coaching successes!
Demonstrate Your Compliance Know-How: Make it clear that you’re up-to-date with payroll legislation and compliance standards. Mention any audits or compliance checks you’ve managed before. This shows us you’re ready to keep National Express on the right side of the law!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to our needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Express
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll & Pensions Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in payroll processes and pension schemes. Brush up on the latest UK payroll legislation and be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex scenarios in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the numbers, but you can also lead a team through challenges.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've empowered your team members in previous positions. Talk about your approach to coaching and performance management, and how you've maintained high standards while fostering a supportive environment.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Compliance is key in payroll and pensions. Make sure you can articulate your understanding of HMRC rules and Living Wage applications. Discuss any audits you've conducted and how you've ensured adherence to regulations, as this will highlight your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including HR and third parties like the DWP and HMRC. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully partnered with other departments in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to align activities with broader business goals, showcasing your ability to work effectively across teams.