At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HRIS and Payroll teams, driving system transformation and enhancing employee experience.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HR technology while making a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Strong SAP HCM experience and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23735 - 29009 £ per year.
Here at Serco, we’re looking for an experienced and people-focused People System Manager to lead our HRIS and Payroll Solutions teams and play a key role in the transformation of our HR and payroll technology landscape. This is a pivotal time to join us. We’re upgrading our systems landscape and embarking on an exciting programme of transformation. As our People System Manager, you’ll have a significant opportunity to shape how our systems develop, support major projects and help us build a more modern, efficient and future-ready employee experience.
You’ll bring strong, hands-on SAP HCM experience alongside proven leadership capability. This isn't a role where you'll simply oversee the work from a distance – we’re looking for a strong leader who is comfortable getting into the detail, challenging existing ways of working and driving things forward.
Reporting to the Payroll Director, you’ll work closely with Payroll, Pensions, Finance, IT, ERP and third-party partners to ensure our HR and payroll systems are reliable, integrated and fit for the future.
As part of this you’ll:
- Lead and develop the HRIS and Payroll Solutions teams, setting direction, managing performance and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Own the functional operation of our HR systems, with SAP HCM at the heart of the role.
- Play a leading role in our systems transformation agenda, including system upgrades and enhancements.
- Lead and support major HRIS and payroll projects, taking ownership from requirements through to testing, implementation and continuous improvement.
- Manage system releases, upgrades, UAT, regression testing and parallel runs, ensuring changes are delivered accurately and effectively.
- Oversee integrations between SAP HCM, payroll, Finance and wider ERP systems, ensuring data remains accurate and aligned.
- Act as a senior escalation point for HRIS and payroll issues, taking ownership and driving problems through to resolution.
- Work closely with technical teams to translate business needs into clear functional requirements.
- Challenge existing processes and ways of working, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation and the employee experience.
- Manage relationships with technology partners and suppliers, ensuring strong service delivery and value for money.
- Support the ongoing development of our technology roadmap, including our journey towards greater use of AI and emerging technology within HR and People processes.
What you’ll need to do the role:
- Strong, hands-on functional experience of SAP HCM is essential.
- Proven experience leading and developing teams is essential – we’re looking for a confident, strong leader who is comfortable setting direction and constructively challenging others.
- Significant experience working with HRIS and payroll systems within a complex organisation.
- Experience of working with a payroll system is essential; ResourceLink experience would be beneficial, but experience with another enterprise payroll system will be considered.
- A strong track record of delivering HRIS, payroll or wider technology projects and transformation programmes.
- Experience of system upgrades, implementations, integrations, UAT and testing.
- Experience translating business requirements into functional solutions and working effectively with technical teams.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge at all levels.
- A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to take ownership of complex issues and see them through to resolution.
- An interest in emerging technology and AI, and how it can support the future of People and HR services.
Why Serco: Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work will play an important role in shaping how we support our people through modern, effective HR and payroll technology. You’ll gain a world of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across 5 vital sectors. Personal growth, achievement and development won’t be hard to find. You'll also work with great people. You’ll find yourself in a highly motivated, supportive environment where no two days are the same, with experienced colleagues who strive for excellence.
What we offer:
- Company car
- Private healthcare
- Bonus scheme of 5% on target
- Flexible working considered
- Pension – 6%
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
- A safe and supportive culture.
A little bit about us: At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.
Our inclusive recruitment commitment: We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).
For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com. Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
People System Manager employer: Serco
Serco Inc. is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and opportunities for professional growth in the heart of Virginia Beach. With a focus on supporting government contracts, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and teamwork, alongside competitive benefits and flexible working arrangements that enhance work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land People System Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Serco!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Serco.
We think you need these skills to ace People System Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Serco. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Serco and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Serco. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Serco's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Serco.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Serco will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Serco and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
