Payroll Operations Manager - Pensions & Systems

Wilkinson & Associates Ltd; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy is looking for a Pension and Systems Operations Manager in Glasgow. This leadership role involves managing pensions and payroll systems operations, overseeing a team, and ensuring compliance and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience and knowledge in payroll systems. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working model, and additional benefits including holidays and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary (depending on experience)

34 days’ holiday with option to buy more

Competitive pension scheme

Discretionary rail travel benefit

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills and experience managing pensions and systems operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and MS Excel skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support systems and pensions teams to deliver accurate results.
• Oversee pension operations, including auto-enrolment and re-enrolment.
• Manage system changes and updates.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of payroll systems

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

MS Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPP qualification (desirable)

Tools

Oracle

iTrent

Business Objects

One Advanced

Job description

Overview

Take the next step in your career with a leadership role that blends technical expertise, team management, and the chance to shape the future of payroll systems and pensions. W&A is proud to be partnering with Solvd. to appoint a Pension and Systems Operations Manager, based in Glasgow.

About Solvd.

Solvd. is a business process outsourcing specialist delivering high-quality Payroll, Finance, HR, and Customer Experience services. Trusted by leading UK transport providers and recently expanding into professional sport, Solvd. has ambitious growth plans and continues to build its reputation for reliability and innovation. At its core, Solvd. lives by the values of being Dependable, Proactive, Agile, and Inclusive, with its people at the heart of everything it does.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Payroll, this role is central to ensuring the smooth running of Solvd.’s pension and payroll systems operations. You’ll lead a team of administrators, manage system improvements, and oversee the daily operations of the pension function. You’ll also play a key part in implementing new client-driven system enhancements, ensuring services remain accurate, compliant, and efficient.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support systems and pensions teams to deliver accurate results.
• Oversee pension operations, including auto-enrolment, re-enrolment, and escalated queries.
• Manage system changes, updates, and readiness for new workstreams.
• Conduct one-to-ones, set objectives, and support staff development.
• Maintain workflows, processes, and RAID logs.
• Perform UAT testing for payroll system upgrades and new implementations.
• Configure new payment/deduction elements and generate reports.
• Liaise with payroll software providers and stakeholders, ensuring compliance and timely delivery.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership skills and experience managing pensions and systems operations.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, statutory regulations, and compliance.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and MS Excel skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management and collaborative working style.
• Desirable: CIPP qualification and experience with Oracle, iTrent, Business Objects, or One Advanced.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• Permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week)
• Hybrid working model (Glasgow-based, 60% office)
• 34 days’ holiday (including public holidays) with option to buy more
• Competitive pension scheme
• Discretionary rail travel benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme

Why This Role?

• Lead a specialist team within a growing and ambitious organisation.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping payroll systems and pension delivery.
• Join a values-led culture with Investors in People Platinum and Investors in Wellbeing Gold recognition.
• Excellent benefits and hybrid working model.

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura Buchanan Owen at [e-mail] for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.