Head of Payroll

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

An established university is seeking a dynamic Head of Payroll to lead payroll functions and ensure compliance with regulations. This role offers the chance to manage a talented team while overseeing payroll operations for both UK and international employees. With a commitment to excellence, the university provides a collaborative environment where your leadership will directly impact the efficiency and accuracy of payroll processes. Enjoy excellent benefits including generous leave, a pension scheme, and well-being programs. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional looking to advance their career in a prestigious institution.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Pension scheme membership

Well-being programme

Learning and development opportunities

Season ticket loans

Cycle to Work Scheme

Workplace nursery scheme

Staff recognition schemes

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role managing payroll functions.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for UK and international employees.
• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team.

Skills

Payroll Legislation Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Leadership Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Education

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

Tools

Resource Link

Oracle ERP

Job description

Job Title: Head of Payroll

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester

Salary: £59,139 to £70,579 per annum, dependent on experience

Job type: Full Time (1 FTE), Fixed Term - 18 months

Closing date: 09/05/2025

The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and research innovation and discovery.

With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a history of world firsts, with our impact ranging from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene.

Our purpose is to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society, putting our three core goals of research and discovery, teaching and learning, and social responsibility at the heart of everything we do.

The University of Manchester are seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Head of Payroll to join their People Services Team.

The Head of Payroll is responsible for leading and managing all payroll functions to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees. This role involves overseeing payroll operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, leading, managing and developing a team of payroll professionals, and partnering with People Directorate, Finance, Reward, and external providers.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for UK and international employees with responsibility for multiple payroll sign offs.
• Ensure compliance with all HMRC, and local regulations regarding employee compensation, taxation, immigration, IR35 and reporting.
• Develop, implement, and maintain payroll policies and procedures.
• Lead, manage, develop, and mentor the payroll team to keep high performance and accuracy.
• Liaise with internal departments (People Directorate, Global Mobility, Finance, Reward, Legal) and external vendors (payroll software, HMRC).
• Oversee and manage complex payroll issues and queries and provide expert guidance to team and relevant stakeholders.
• Review and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Lead payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, automation initiatives, and process improvements.
• Maintained confidentiality and security of payroll information.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership, auditors, and regulatory agencies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Head of Payroll, we want a candidate that has:

• Professional certification such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or significant, measurable experience in a leadership role
• Experience in Resource link and global payroll.
• Possess an understanding of the nuances of payroll processes within an ERP environment, including statutory compliance and reporting.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax regulations, and Compliance.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and leadership skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information.
• Be able to prove a track record of effective payroll process leadership.
• Have well-developed communication skills and the ability to manage difficult situations.
• Be able to prove leadership in managing multiple process areas and interdependencies.
• Have effective skills in leading staff, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment.

As an ideal candidate you will have:

• Advantageous to have knowledge of specific ERP modules, ideally within solution such as Oracle.

As one of the leading Universities our employees enjoy exclusive access to excellent benefits and schemes including:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure.
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family.
• Well-being programme with counselling, fitness, and leading sports facilities.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Season ticket loans for public transport.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Workplace nursery scheme.
• Staff recognition schemes.
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.

We reserve to right to close the advert early in the instance that we receive a high volume of suitable applicants.

Any CV's submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.

Please click APPLY to be redirected to our website to complete an application form.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Payroll Manager, Payroll Director, Payroll Lead, Payroll Specialist, Payroll Specialist, may also be considered.