Deputy Head of Payroll Services | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Urmston; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a skilled Deputy Head of Payroll Services. This leadership role involves ensuring compliance, delivering high-quality payroll services, and supporting team development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in payroll and pensions, a strong customer focus, and excellent communication skills. This position offers opportunities for professional growth within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible working

Generous leave

NHS pension

Wellbeing initiatives

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• Experienced payroll and pensions professional with expert knowledge of legislation and best practices.
• Confident communicator able to advise and influence senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams for high-quality, customer-focused services.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver MFT's Pay Services strategy and contribute to organisational goals.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and Trust policies.
• Maintain MFT's reputation for high-quality, customer-focused Pay Services.
• Drive initiatives to optimise systems, automation, and AI within Pay Services.

Skills

Payroll management

Pensions legislation

Customer service

Team leadership

Communication

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Deputy Head of Payroll Services to join Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable, efficient, and customer-focused Pay Services function. This role contributes to the wider Employee Value Proposition (EVP), helping to attract and retain employees and position Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) as the ‘Employer of Choice’ in Greater Manchester. This is an exciting opportunity for an expert in Payroll, Pensions and Expenses to make a meaningful impact across a large and complex organisation. You’ll ensure our Pay Services are compliant, accurate, and customer-focused while acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of Payroll Services. If you thrive in a leadership role, have a keen eye for detail, and want to contribute to the success of one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• As Deputy Head of Pay Services, you will:
• Support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of MFT’s Pay Services strategy.
• Lead and develop a team, including direct line management of the Payroll Operations Manager and Quality Assurance & Improvement Lead.
• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll, pensions, and expenses.
• Provide expert advice on statutory pay matters, including Income Tax, NI, Sick Pay, and Maternity Pay.
• Act as deputy for the Head of Payroll Services, attending Trust-wide meetings and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Develop and monitor service governance, KPIs, and SLAs, ensuring accountability and improvement.
• Drive innovation through systems, automation, and process optimisation.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships with staff, unions, external partners, and statutory bodies.
• Support team development through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with legal frameworks, governance requirements, and Trust policies.

Qualifications

• An experienced payroll and pensions professional with expert knowledge of legislation and best practice.
• A confident communicator with the ability to advise, influence, and engage senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

About MFT & Benefits

At Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT), we pride ourselves on a values-driven culture and a commitment to exceptional care for Greater Manchester. Within Pay Services, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative team that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous learning, with modern systems to deliver the best service for staff and patients. We invest in professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead impactful projects. As part of one of the UK’s largest NHS Trusts, you’ll enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, wellbeing initiatives, and clear career progression.

MFT operates 10 hospitals and community services, serving 1 million patients annually, with a workforce of 30,000. We champion collaboration, digital innovation—including our Hive Electronic Patient Record system—and transformation to improve clinical quality, patient experience, and operational efficiency. As a leading academic, research, and education center, we support high-quality research and innovation, while our Green Plan reflects a commitment to sustainable healthcare. At MFT, we foster inclusion, wellbeing, and transparent career development, empowering staff to shape the future of our organisation.

Additional Information

As Deputy Head of Pay Services, your responsibilities will include:

• Leadership & Strategy
• Deputise for the Head of Payroll Services/Associate Director of Workforce Services.
• Support the design and delivery of MFT’s Pay Services strategy and contribute to organisational goals.
• Lead and manage senior team members, ensuring objectives, appraisals, and personal development plans are in place.

• Operations & Compliance
• Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of payroll, pensions, and expenses services.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, HMRC guidance, GDPR, FOI, and Trust policies.
• Support development and monitoring of SLAs and KPIs, providing performance reports and governance assurance.
• Lead on payroll system changes and contribute to functional audits, benchmarking, and surveys.

• Customer Service & Communications
• Maintain MFT’s reputation for high-quality, customer-focused Pay Services.
• Provide expert advice to staff, managers, and external stakeholders on complex payroll and pensions issues.
• Build strong relationships with recognised trade unions, statutory bodies, and external partners.
• Promote continuous improvement, best practice, and effective knowledge sharing.

• Innovation & Improvement
• Drive initiatives to optimise e-systems, automation, and AI within Pay Services.
• Identify and deliver cost and efficiency savings, service enhancements, and income generation opportunities.
• Contribute to project work and Trust-wide initiatives that support the EVP.

• Team Development & Personal Growth
• Support talent management, coaching, and mentoring across the team.
• Contribute to succession planning and workforce resilience.
• Commit to your own professional development, keeping up to date with payroll legislation and policy changes.

This advert closes on Monday 10 Nov 2025