Payroll Manager - Team Leader

Phase 3; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payroll services provider in Manchester is seeking a Payroll Manager - Team Leader to oversee payroll operations. You will lead a team committed to delivering excellence in payroll services while ensuring compliance with UK legislation. Strong leadership, people management skills, and experience with payroll systems are essential. The role offers a salary between £40,000 and £50,000 annually.

Benefits

Disability Confident employer

Opportunities for development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing a payroll team and overseeing high-volume payrolls.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory requirements.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the payroll team.
• Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for compliance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for payroll queries.

Skills

Team management

Payroll legislation expertise

Advanced Excel skills

Interpersonal communication

Process improvement

Tools

iTrent

Sage 50

Brain Payroll

Job description

Overview

Vacancy Name: Payroll Manager - Team Leader

Location City: Manchester/Remote

Employment Type: Full Time

Purpose of the Role

As Payroll Manager - Team Leader, you will be responsible for leading and managing the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of all payroll services. You will provide strong leadership, coaching, and support to the team while acting as the subject matter expert on payroll processes and legislation. This role requires both technical excellence in payroll and the ability to motivate and develop people to achieve their best.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead, manage, and mentor the payroll team, ensuring high levels of engagement, performance, and professional development.
2. Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and company policies.
3. Act as the primary escalation point for payroll queries, providing expert guidance and solutions.
4. Drive continuous improvement within the payroll function, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
5. Build and maintain strong working relationships across HR, Finance, and other business functions.
6. Ensure compliance with all payroll legislation, including statutory reporting and pension auto-enrolment obligations.
7. Support with complex calculations, reconciliations, and payroll audits.
8. Deliver regular reporting to senior leadership on payroll performance and key metrics.

Desirable Requirements

1. Previous experience working in a bureau or multi-client environment.
2. Experience of payroll systems such as iTrent, PeopleXD, XCD, Cascade, Unit4, Brain Payroll, Sage People Payroll, Sage 50 & BrightPay
3. Knowledge of P11Ds and payrolled benefits.
4. Experience in process improvement and system implementation projects.

Personal Attributes

1. A people person - approachable, supportive, and able to bring out the best in others.
2. Proactive and solutions-focused with a high attention to detail.
3. Resilient under pressure with a flexible and adaptable approach.
4. Committed to delivering excellence and continuous improvement.

Essential Requirements

1. Proven experience in managing a payroll team and overseeing high-volume payrolls.
2. In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory requirements.
3. Strong people management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a team.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters clearly.
5. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
6. Advanced Excel skills (vlookup, pivot tables, and formulas).

Ideal start date: Immediately.

Phase 3 is a Disability Confident employer and we endeavour to recruit from the widest possible pool of suitable candidates. The format of the interview will be - questions based on your experience and the requirements of the role. If you require any adjustments or special arrangements to be made to our application process on account of disability please let us know in advance.

Salary

Minimum Salary: £40,000

Maximum Salary: £50,000