Payroll Manager

Neo People Management; Bury St Edmunds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Remote work options across the UK

36 days annual leave

Flexible benefits package

Job summary

Neo People Management, a UK HR and payroll solutions provider to schools and MATs, seeks a commercially minded Payroll Manager to lead the Payroll & Pensions team. You will oversee monthly client payrolls, mentor Payroll Officers, manage deadlines and respond to client queries.

Hybrid working is offered, with daily office attendance for the first 6 weeks and at least two days per week thereafter. A CIPP qualification and strong payroll knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• CIPP qualification (Level 5 or degree in Payroll Management)
• Experience managing and developing a payroll team
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation
• High-level technical payroll expertise
• Excellent communication and client service skills
• Collaborative, team-focused approach

Responsibilities

• Managing the preparation of monthly payrolls for clients
• Leading, motivating, and developing a team of Payroll Officers
• Organising workloads to meet deadlines and service levels
• Acting as primary contact for client payroll and pension queries
• Submitting HMRC returns and ensuring legislative compliance
• Delivering year-end tasks (P60, P11D)
• Identifying improvements to internal payroll processes

Skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Client service

Education

CIPP qualification (Level 5 / Payroll Management)

Job description

Are you a commercially minded Payroll Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you enjoy leading teams, improving processes, and delivering an exceptional client service?

If so, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Neo People Management is a trusted provider of HR and payroll solutions to schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK. We understand the unique challenges faced within the education sector and pride ourselves on delivering proactive operational and strategic HR advice alongside a high-quality payroll and pensions service.

Each month, we pay over 60,000 school-based staff - and behind that is a highly qualified, passionate team dedicated to supporting education.

The Opportunity:

We’re looking for a qualified, people-focused Payroll Manager to join our busy Payroll & Pensions team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys leading from the front - empowering payroll professionals, driving service excellence, and ensuring accurate, compliant payroll delivery for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Your role will include, but not be limited to:

Managing the preparation of monthly payrolls for clients receiving a full range of services

Leading, motivating, and developing a team of Payroll Officers

Organising workloads to ensure deadlines and service levels are consistently met

Acting as a key point of contact for client payroll and pension queries

Making HMRC submissions and ensuring full legislative compliance

Delivering year-end processes, including:

P60 production

P11D completion (where applicable)

Identifying and implementing improvements to internal payroll processes

About You:

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

CIPP qualification (minimum Level 5 / Degree in Payroll Management)

Proven experience managing and developing a payroll team

Strong, up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation

High-level technical payroll expertise

Excellent communication and client service skills

A collaborative, team-focused approach

Desirable (but not essential):

Experience working in a payroll bureau environment

Exposure to, or understanding of, the education sector

Working Arrangements

This role offers hybrid working; however:

You’ll be required to attend the office daily for the first 6 weeks

Thereafter, a minimum of two office days per week is required

Please note that payroll assessments/tests will form part of the interview process.

What We Offer:

Please note the salary range for this role is £45,000 - £55,000 per annum.

36 days annual leave (28 days + bank holidays)

+1 additional day per year of service (up to 5 extra days)

Hybrid / remote working options across the UK

Flexible benefits package, including:

Option to purchase additional annual leave

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

As an equal opportunities employer, we celebrate diversity, champion flexibility, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where our people can thrive.