Payroll and Data Manager

THE ROYAL CENTRAL SCHOOL OF SPEECH AND DRAMA; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in London seeks a detail-oriented Payroll and Data Manager to oversee payroll operations and workforce data functions. This role is essential for ensuring compliance and transparency in payroll and personnel data management. Candidates should have strong payroll experience in higher education, advanced data analysis skills, and familiarity with HRIS systems. This position offers a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll management and compliance.
• Familiarity with HRIS and data analysis tools.
• Attention to detail and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate monthly payroll.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Produce strategic workforce reports.
• Lead procedural reviews and project improvements.

Skills

Strong payroll experience within Higher Education or public sector environments

Knowledge of employment-related data regulations (including HESA & GDPR)

Advanced data analysis and reporting skills

Experience with HRIS systems such as iTrent

Commitment to equity, accuracy, and confidentiality

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Payroll and Data Manager

Salary: Grade 6 is £45,832 - £50,748 per annum including London Weighting.

Full time, 1 FTE, Fixed term for 1 year

Hybrid work available

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll and Data Manager to lead our payroll operations and workforce data functions. This strategic role is key to ensuring integrity, compliance, and transparency across all aspects of payroll and P&C data, supporting our diverse and dynamic academic and professional community.

What You’ll Be Doing

Deliver accurate monthly payroll for Central, working with MHR, our payroll provider. Ensure compliance with HMRC, Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, and employment legislation. Maintain and enhance our HR and payroll systems. Produce strategic workforce reports and support internal and external data returns using MS Office, Excel, and PowerPoint applications (e.g., HESA, UCEA, Gender Pay Gap Report, data for internal Governance Committees, etc.). Interpret complex data to inform decision-making and resource planning. Lead procedural reviews and manage relationships with internal teams and external providers. Project manage a review of payroll and data processes with a view to presenting options for process improvements.

What You’ll Bring

We welcome applicants with:

• Strong payroll experience within Higher Education or public sector environments
• Knowledge of employment-related data regulations (including HESA & GDPR)
• Advanced data analysis and reporting skills
• Experience with HRIS systems such as iTrent or similar P&C platforms
• Commitment to equity, accuracy, and confidentiality in all areas of work

How to Apply

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Please note that this role is not eligible for sponsorship of a Skilled Worker Visa. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for us to consider your application.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.

Please submit your application by midday on 8 August 2025.

It is anticipated that interviews and assessments will take place on Teams on 20 August 2025. Please note that we currently do not reimburse travel expenses.

We aim to shortlist all applications within 2 weeks of the advert closing date. If you do not hear from us within this time, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful.