Payroll Manager

CRA Group Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A public service organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Payroll and HR Manager. This role involves overseeing payroll and HR administration for various stakeholders, managing a team of about 30, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Candidates should possess extensive payroll management experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to implement effective HR systems. The organization supports a hybrid working environment, requiring occasional on-site presence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in payroll management and HR administration.
• Strong leadership experience, ideally leading a team of 20+ staff.
• Sound knowledge of payroll processes, pensions, and relevant legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll and HR administration services for multiple clients.
• Lead a team of approximately 30 staff for efficient operations.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for service improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Job description

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the day‑to‑day management of payroll and HR administration services for West Sussex County Council employees, schools, and external partners.
• Lead a team of approximately 30 staff to ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant payroll and HR transactions.
• Oversee service delivery, develop team capability, and implement process improvements to enhance customer experience.
• Act as the professional specialist for payroll and HR administration, providing advice, guidance, and decision‑making with full knowledge of services and regulations.
• Manage and direct daily payroll and HR administration operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Lead, develop, and support a team to manage complex payroll, pensions and HR enquiries.
• Design, develop, and implement compliant and effective payroll and HR systems and processes.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities for service improvement.
• Ensure high‑quality service delivery to employees, managers, schools and external partners.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on payroll, HR administration and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to team and service development, including setting targets, planning work, and fostering a positive working culture.
• Support training and on‑site meetings as required (minimum one day per week in the office).

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in payroll management and HR administration.
• Strong leadership and people management experience, ideally leading a team of 20+ staff.
• Sound knowledge of payroll processes, pensions, HR administration and relevant legislation.
• Experience implementing and improving payroll/HR systems and processes.
• Strong analytical and performance monitoring skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with employees, managers, schools and external partners.
• Ability to manage complex payroll and HR queries accurately and efficiently.
• Competence in workforce planning, team development and performance management.
• High level of organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional on‑site presence for meetings and training.