Senior Payroll Manager in Derby

A highly regarded and growing professional services business is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join its leadership team. This newly created role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the continued growth and development of a successful payroll function. Working closely with senior leadership, you will provide operational oversight, lead process improvements, support strategic initiatives and help develop a high-performing team.

With a genuine commitment to work-life balance, the business operates a four-day working week, providing an exceptional opportunity for an experienced payroll professional seeking both career progression and flexibility.

The Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership across the payroll department, ensuring exceptional client service while supporting the continued growth and scalability of the business. You will act as a senior escalation point, champion operational efficiencies and help foster a culture of continuous improvement and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Provide senior operational oversight across the payroll function.
  • Manage complex client queries and escalations, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and within agreed timescales.
  • Monitor workloads and capacity across the team, proactively identifying risks and bottlenecks.
  • Drive operational efficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance performance.
• Strategic and Commercial Support
  • Support key strategic and commercial projects across the payroll function.
  • Work closely with senior leaders to enable continued growth and operational excellence.
  • Contribute to departmental planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Client Relationship Management
  • Ensure high standards of client service and satisfaction are maintained.
  • Act as a senior point of contact for clients where required.
  • Support the team in delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Provide coaching, mentoring and support to managers and wider team members.
  • Assist with performance management and employee development.
  • Contribute to succession planning and the long-term resilience of the payroll function.
  • Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture.

About You

You are an experienced payroll leader who combines strong operational expertise with a passion for people development and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant experience in a senior payroll operations or payroll management role.
• Proven ability to manage complex operational environments and client escalations.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing teams.
• A track record of delivering process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Desirable Experience

• Supporting strategic or commercial projects within a payroll or professional services environment.
• Familiarity with payroll systems and relevant legislation.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £50,000 - £60,000 depending on experience.
• Four-day working week.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• A senior leadership position with real influence and visibility.
• The opportunity to shape and develop a growing payroll function.
• A supportive, collaborative and ambitious culture.
• Long-term career progression opportunities.
• Competitive benefits package.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to step into a senior leadership role within a progressive organisation that genuinely values flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth.

To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience.