HR Payroll and Pensions Manager

Bristol City Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Bristol is seeking a Payroll and Pensions Manager to oversee payroll services for thousands of employees. This role requires strong leadership and expertise in payroll compliance. The successful candidate will lead a team, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery, managing complex queries, and driving process improvements. The position offers a supportive environment, flexible working, and a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the community.

Benefits

Flexible working

Local Government Pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Leadership in payroll and pensions teams.
• Experience in compliance with audit requirements.
• Proven problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll and pensions delivery services.
• Manage statutory reporting and improvements.
• Build relationships across HR and finance teams.

Skills

Payroll qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience

Experience of running payrolls in compliance with legal requirements

Strong leadership skills

Ability to oversee employer administration of pensions

Advanced problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of advancing equity and diversity

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Job description

Job description
Payroll and Pensions Manager - Human Resources

Full time 37hrs Per Week - Permanent - (April Start date)

Join Bristol City Council as our Payroll and Pensions Manager and make a real difference to the people who keep our city running. This is a key leadership role where you'll oversee vital services that ensure thousands of employees are paid accurately and on time.

The Role

In this role, you will lead a team of payroll and pensions professionals to ensure the accurate, efficient, and timely delivery of payroll and pensions services for the Council. You will oversee complex queries, manage statutory reporting, and drive continuous improvement in processes and systems.

You will work closely with colleagues across HR, Finance, and external pension providers, building strong relationships and ensuring high standards of service delivery. Your leadership will support the development of your team and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

Key Job Outcome

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll and pensions services in compliance with legislation and audit requirements.
• Act as the escalation point for complex queries, providing detailed analysis and well-evidenced solutions.
• Lead, support, and develop a diverse team, ensuring performance management and career development.
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting and audits, including HMRC and pension schemes.
• Drive continuous improvement and system development, supporting new technologies and integrations.
• Monitor performance against service goals and ensure data integrity through robust processes.

Skills and Attributes

• Payroll qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Detailed experience of running payrolls in compliance with legal and audit requirements.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing a diverse team.
• Ability to oversee employer administration of occupational pensions.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure to meet immovable deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Knowledge and/or experience of advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn new technologies.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we offer a dynamic and supportive environment where you can use your expertise and develop new skills within a high-profile organisation.

Join us and you'll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you'll be working in a supportive environment where you'll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How do I apply?

If you share our values and are ready to lead a team delivering essential services, we would love to hear from you. Please select the apply button below and submit your CV along with a supporting statement included in the "Further Information" section. To be shortlisted, you'll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact: [e-mail]

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Young people, Black and racially minoritised candidates who are currently under-represented within this Service of Bristol City Council. Appointments will be made on merit.

The personal information section (including your name) you'll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.