Interim Payroll & Reward Manager

Interim Payroll & Reward Manager

Part-Time 55000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
UPP Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead payroll management and ensure colleagues are paid accurately and on time.
  • Company: Join UPP, the UK's top provider of student accommodation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 29 days holiday, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.

UPP are committed to creating exceptional places for students to live and learn. As the UK's leading provider of on-campus accommodation and infrastructure, we know that great colleague experiences start with getting the fundamentals right.

We're looking for an interim Payroll & Reward Manager to take the lead in effectively managing the full payroll lifecycle, including the third party payroll provider, accounting, pensions and benefits across our operations and corporate business areas. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of a critical people function, ensuring our colleagues are paid accurately, supported effectively and receive a market-leading benefits experience.

Overseeing the full pay lifecycle is an important part of the role. You’ll manage the annual salary and bonus reviews, ensuring all pay and benefits activities are delivered accurately and ensure they comply with current legislation and tax requirements. You’ll be the trusted subject matter expert for payroll, pensions and reward, providing advice and guidance on policies and practices while helping to maintain a fair, compliant and equitable approach to pay and benefits across the organisation.

You will provide regular and ad-hoc reporting to support the wider HR team, Finance, and key stakeholders in Senior Management and Board meetings. Contributing to the development of automated employee and manager services related to payroll and benefits, working closely and collaboratively with other departments to provide an effective and efficient service, plus drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance the employee experience.

This is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract role to cover maternity leave from October 2026 and will be based in our award-winning London office on Arthur Street, with hybrid working and excellent transport links from Cannon Street, Monument, Bank and London Bridge stations. We are open to considering both four and five-day working patterns, with flexibility dependent on experience and the needs of the role.

We're looking for you to be an experienced payroll and reward professional who combines technical expertise with a proactive, customer-focused approach, along with:

  • Significant experience managing payroll within a large/complex operational organisation.
  • Experience using HR systems such as Workday, SAP or Oracle and have advanced Excel skills.
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to work confidently with payroll and reward data.
  • Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions and employee benefits.
  • Experience managing third-party payroll providers and service delivery.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
  • A collaborative mindset with a passion for delivering outstanding service continuous improvement.

You’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team where your expertise will have a direct impact on the employee experience. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package including 29 days holiday, and the chance to contribute to a business with a strong purpose and long-term vision.

UPP welcome all applications and recognise the value of having a diverse and inclusive culture, which reflects the communities we work with and has a positive impact on our people, our student residents, and our university partners.

We understand all disabilities, impairments and conditions are unique, so please advise us of any adjustments which would support you through our recruitment process and also help you to thrive at work.

Our core values of Innovation, Sustainability, Community, Partnership and Respect, are fundamental to our culture and summarise what is important to our business and our people.

If you're looking to bring your payroll and benefits expertise to a business where your contribution will make a real difference, apply today and our in-house recruitment team will be in touch.

Please note in your application whether you are seeking a four or five-day working week.

Who are UPP?

We are proud to be the UK’s leading provider of on-campus residential and academic accommodation, with over 35,000 beds where more than 500,000 students from around the world have called home over the years. We provide a complete solution of Design, Build, Fund, and Operate (DBFO) student accommodation and campus facilities exclusively to the higher education sector. This means we not only design and create cutting edge sustainable buildings, but we also help finance them and successfully manage the onsite operations long-term.

However, we’re more than just accommodation, we create spaces where students can thrive, connect, and make the most of their university experience. Our mission is to support every student's journey by offering a safe, inclusive and inspiring environment to live and learn.

What’s in it for you?

At UPP, we believe your career should be as rewarding as the impact you make. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

  • Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: An inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.
  • Career Growth: Learn, lead, and progress with tailored training and leadership programmes.
  • Rewards & Benefits: Competitive package and range of benefits designed for you.
  • Health and Wellbeing: From mental health resources to wellness programmes, and everyday support.
  • Purpose & Impact: Every role shapes the student experience.

To learn more about what we offer, check out our Working Environment, Benefits and Career Development tabs on our Careers Hub.

Apply today and start your journey with UPP.

Interim Payroll & Reward Manager employer: UPP Ltd

Join UPP as a Cleaner and become part of a vibrant team dedicated to enhancing the student experience in our accommodation. We offer a supportive work culture with competitive benefits, including 25 days holiday, life insurance, and access to discounts through our UPP Rewards portal. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on valuing diversity, UPP is an excellent employer where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact.

UPP Ltd

Contact Details:

UPP Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Payroll & Reward Manager

Get Involved in Local HR Events

Check out local HR networking events or workshops in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends in human resources, and potentially get leads on part-time roles like the one at UPP Ltd.

Join HR Communities Online

Platforms like SHRM Connect or HR-specific LinkedIn groups are gold mines for job leads and industry discussions. Engaging in conversations can put your name out there and might just catch the eye of someone from UPP Ltd looking for a part-time star!

Utilise University Career Services

If you're studying or have recently graduated, don’t forget about your university's career services. They often have contacts in the HR world that can help you score a part-time gig, plus you can access exclusive job boards!

Direct Applications Through Our Website

When you find the part-time role you're excited about, apply directly through our website. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps us streamline the hiring process. Make your application stand out with a tailored approach!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Payroll & Reward Manager

Payroll Management
Reward Management
HR Systems (Workday, SAP, Oracle)
Advanced Excel Skills
Analytical Skills
UK Payroll Legislation Knowledge
Pensions and Employee Benefits Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your People Skills:In human resources, it’s all about connecting with people. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in recruitment, employee relations, or conflict resolution. If you’ve got any certifications in HR or related fields, don’t forget to flaunt them!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Shine Bright:When applying for a part-time HR role at UPP Ltd, your cover letter should reflect your motivation and enthusiasm for the position. Discuss your passion for people management and how you can contribute to their team, even on a part-time basis.

Demonstrate Flexibility and Availability:Since it's a part-time role, be clear in your application about your availability. HR often requires a balance of flexibility and commitment, so outline any existing commitments and how you plan to manage your time effectively.

Include Real-Life Examples:When describing your experience, use specific examples that illustrate your competency in HR tasks. Whether it’s handling employee onboarding or managing records, these anecdotes can make your application stand out to UPP Ltd.

How to prepare for a job interview at UPP Ltd

Know Your HR Basics Inside Out

As we're diving into a part-time HR role, let’s brush up on key HR concepts like recruitment processes, employment law, and employee engagement strategies. Prepare to explain how you've handled various HR scenarios in the past or how you'd approach them in the future – this shows you can hit the ground running!

Get Creative with Your HR Portfolio

Bring along a portfolio showcasing your HR projects, like recruitment plans or engagement activities you've designed. This isn't just for show; it helps us illustrate our hands-on experience and creativity, making us stand out to UPP Ltd. Plus, it’s a tangible way to discuss our achievements!

Brush Up on Behavioural Interview Techniques

Expect a mix of traditional and behavioural interview questions. Prepare STAR answers (Situation, Task, Action, Result) on how you've resolved conflicts or improved team dynamics. Since HR is all about people, our ability to communicate effectively will be under the spotlight.

Show Flexibility and Enthusiasm

In a part-time HR role, demonstrating a flexible approach to working hours and responsibilities can make us more appealing to UPP Ltd. Expressing our eagerness to learn and contribute to the team will demonstrate that we're not just filling a position, but genuinely excited to be part of their journey!