Area Support Analyst [Payroll]

Network Rail; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28-day annual leave (buy/sell)

Maternity/Paternity/Adoption leave

Pension schemes

Travel discount (75%)

Private Healthcare

Volunteer or carers leave (5 days)

Rail travel subsidies

Gym access

Discount platform (My Benefits)

Job summary

Network Rail in Manchester is seeking an Area Support Analyst to join the payroll team on a 9-month fixed term contract with the potential to extend or become permanent.

You will support payroll projects, analyse data and coordinate across multiple teams, delivering accurate payroll services with a strong controls mindset. The role requires hybrid working with 60% time on site at a Network Rail location and a focus on accuracy and stakeholder reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll, finance, HR, project support or data analysis.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Advanced Excel skills with formulas and pivot tables.
• Excellent organisation and planning abilities.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate and compliant payroll services.
• Act as subject matter expert on payroll processes and systems.
• Support project delivery, data analysis and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with service teams to monitor performance and provide feedback.
• Document processes and support standardisation.
• Promote continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to ensure customer-focused delivery.

Skills

Payroll data analysis

Analytical thinking

Advanced Excel

Organisation & planning

Communication skills

Stakeholder reporting

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Tools

Excel

Job description

Who We Are

Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

About The Role

We are looking for a highly organised and analytical Area Support Analyst to support the successful delivery of payroll projects, system enhancements and process improvements. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with data, solving problems, coordinating activities across multiple teams and contributing to projects that directly impact employees across the organisation.

Reporting to the Payroll Management Team, you will play a key role in supporting project delivery, analysing payroll data and ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope and to a high standard.

• Contract type - this is a 9-month fixed term contract with the potential to be extended or become permanent.
• Salary: £27,960.00 Per annum - Band 5
• Location: Manchester Square One - Travis Street. This role permits hybrid working, employees are expected to work from a Network Rail location for 60% of their weekly hours, typically 3 days minimum for full time roles.
• Closing date: Thursday 1st October 2026. On occasions, we may need to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. To avoid disappointment, we encourage applications to be submitted as early as possible. Late applications may not be accepted.

What are we looking for?

• Experience working in a payroll, finance, HR, project support, or data analysis environment.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Excellent organisation and planning skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience producing reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.

Please note: The criteria outlined in this advert reflect the specific requirements of this role. The attached job description provides full details of the role's responsibilities, essential and desirable criteria and should be considered alongside this information.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for delivering accurate and compliant payroll services, acting as a subject matter expert on payroll processes, legislation, and systems, and supporting both internal teams and customers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Familiar with performing complex calculations (for example payroll, pensions, statutory/legislative payments
• Supporting Team Manager and wider payroll function with delivery of projects which may include data analysis/manipulations, stakeholder engagement, communication, meeting deadlines, identifying areas for opportunity.
• Work closely with the service team to review performance, provide feedback, and highlight any concerns to the Team Manager when needed.
• Build a strong understanding of your area, document processes clearly, and support standardisation. Help team members follow processes and identify opportunities to improve them.
• Develop a broad understanding of the wider shared services operation, working with other analysts to share knowledge and continuously learn from each other.
• Collaborate with fellow analysts across the centre, contributing to knowledge sharing and supporting key initiatives that benefit the wider service.
• Promote an inclusive and supportive environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and confident in suggesting improvements. Encourage personal ownership and accountability within the team.
• Work within agreed control frameworks, promoting a strong controls mindset. Regularly review processes, identify any gaps, and take ownership of improvements to help reduce risk and improve efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, supporting a customer-focused approach where team members understand and consider customer needs.
• Encourage continuous improvement, coaching team members, and helping drive positive change across the department and wider organisation.

What's in it for you:

Here Are a Few Of The Benefits We Offer

• 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• Private Healthcare (subject to T&Cs)
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
• My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount

Role

To find out more explore Working for Network Rail. Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information. Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you. Below are some examples of adjustments we can make.

• Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done' For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
• Changing a physical feature of our workplace For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
• Providing extra equipment or assistance For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.

There are lots of other adjustments we can consider, please just ask! If you have any questions or would like to speak the Resourcing Team, please contact [e-mail]