Interim Payroll Manager

Robert Walters UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee complex payroll processes for a public sector organisation in Birmingham. The successful candidate will manage operational payroll tasks, ensure compliance with UK regulations, and lead a team through dynamic challenges. Ideal applicants will have substantial experience in payroll management, a CIPP qualification, and strong skills in stakeholder engagement. This role offers a 12-month fixed-term contract with significant responsibilities, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in payroll management overseeing medium-to-large UK payrolls.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent certification is essential.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK statutory payroll regulations required.
• Proven ability to lead teams effectively by coaching individuals.
• Experience developing operational processes for improved service delivery.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
• Outstanding organisational abilities and clear communication skills.
• Intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete processing of complex monthly payrolls.
• Manage system administration across payroll platforms like iTrent.
• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation.
• Lead on P11D processing and accurate reporting of benefits-in-kind.
• Develop and review payroll policies and procedures.
• Build operational resilience by providing regular training sessions.
• Act as the main escalation point for payroll-related queries.
• Support business continuity during team absences.

Skills

Managing complex UK payrolls

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Analytical problem-solving

Coaching and leadership

Attention to detail

Education

CIPP qualification or equivalent certification

Tools

iTrent payroll system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is looking for a Payroll Manager with experience managing large complex payrolls to join their organisation based in Birmingham City Centre on a 12-month FTC.

What you'll do:

As Interim Payroll Manager based in Birmingham, you will take ownership of delivering seamless payroll services for a significant workforce within the public sector. Your day‑to‑day activities will involve overseeing every aspect of monthly payroll cycles—from initial data input through to final disbursement—while maintaining rigorous compliance with all relevant legislation. You will be responsible for managing system upgrades on platforms like iTrent to ensure smooth operation at all times. In addition to technical duties such as statutory reporting and P11D processing, you will nurture your team’s capabilities through targeted coaching sessions and ongoing support. By acting as the primary point of contact for complex queries or escalations from colleagues or external partners, you will foster trust across departments. Your proactive approach will see you identifying opportunities for process optimisation while upholding high standards of confidentiality when handling sensitive information. Success in this role means not only meeting strict deadlines but also contributing positively to an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported.

• Oversee the complete processing of complex monthly payrolls for all employees, ensuring accuracy in data entry, validation, disbursements, and statutory reporting at every stage.
• Manage system administration across all payroll platforms such as iTrent or similar systems, including upgrades and ongoing development to maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation by monitoring tax regulations, internal audit requirements, PAYE, national insurance contributions, pension schemes, and statutory payments like SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP.
• Lead on P11D processing by guaranteeing accurate reporting of benefits‑in‑kind in accordance with HMRC standards and deadlines.
• Develop and regularly review payroll policies and procedures to drive consistency, accuracy, and efficiency throughout the department.
• Build operational resilience within the team by providing regular training sessions, coaching opportunities, and ongoing professional development tailored to individual needs.
• Provide clear direction as the main escalation point for all payroll‑related queries from both staff members and external stakeholders.
• Support business continuity by covering shortfalls within the team during absences or peak periods to ensure all payroll deadlines are consistently met.
• Assist senior management with planning tasks by prioritising workloads effectively to achieve departmental objectives efficiently.
• Identify areas for improvement proactively by recommending and implementing enhancements to systems or processes that benefit both the team and wider organisation.

What you bring:

To excel as Interim Payroll Manager in this public sector environment, you will bring substantial experience managing complex UK payrolls alongside recognised qualifications such as CIPP. Your deep understanding of statutory requirements ensures compliant operations at all times. You are adept at using advanced payroll systems like iTrent and have demonstrated success leading teams through periods of change by nurturing talent through coaching initiatives. Your interpersonal strengths shine when engaging stakeholders or resolving queries sensitively. With strong organisational skills underpinning your work ethic, you thrive under pressure while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Your analytical approach enables you to identify opportunities for process enhancement that benefit both your immediate team and the wider organisation. Above all else, your commitment to integrity—especially when handling confidential data—sets you apart as a trusted partner within any finance function.

• A minimum of three years’ experience in a payroll management position overseeing medium‑to‑large UK payrolls is essential for success in this role.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent certification demonstrates your commitment to professional standards within payroll management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of UK statutory payroll regulations—including PAYE, national insurance contributions (NI), P11D forms, and benefits‑in‑kind—is required.
• Previous hands‑on experience using iTrent or comparable payroll systems ensures you can hit the ground running from day one.
• Proven ability to lead teams effectively by coaching individuals towards higher performance while building overall team resilience is highly valued.
• Experience developing operational processes that improve controls and service delivery standards is important for maintaining quality outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills allow you to build strong relationships across departments as well as with external partners or auditors.
• Outstanding organisational abilities combined with clear communication skills enable you to manage multiple priorities without compromising accuracy or professionalism.
• Intermediate‑to‑advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel along with other Microsoft Office tools supports efficient data analysis and reporting tasks.
• A resourceful mindset paired with analytical problem‑solving skills helps you navigate challenges while supporting colleagues in achieving shared goals.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.