Senior Payroll Manager

Michael Page; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus up to 10%

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Life assurance

Birthday off

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting for a Senior Payroll Manager to take ownership of a newly acquired payroll bureau, directing the payroll function and ensuring seamless integration while pursuing growth and service excellence.

You will lead a team, manage UK payroll processing, remain compliant with HMRC regulations, and build strong client relationships as part of a broader growth strategy for the payroll division.

Qualifications

• Significant payroll management experience, ideally within a bureau/outsourced environment.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, compliance, and HMRC requirements.
• Experience leading and developing payroll teams.
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the payroll department and contribute to long-term strategy and growth.
• Manage the transition and integration of the acquired payroll bureau.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Maintain compliance with UK payroll, taxation and HMRC requirements (RTI, year-end).
• Act as senior point of contact for complex payroll queries and escalations.
• Mentor and develop payroll team members and support recruitment and training.

Skills

Payroll management

UK payroll

Leadership

Client relationships

HMRC compliance

People management

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership as a Senior Payroll Manager of an established payroll business at a pivotal stage in its journey. You'll inherit a profitable operation with a loyal client base, while having the autonomy and support to shape its future growth, influence strategy, and build a high-performing team.

Client Details

Our client is a highly respected professional services organisation with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional support to businesses and individuals across the North West. Known for its people-first culture, collaborative working environment, and long-term commitment to employee development, the firm continues to invest in new services, technology, and growth opportunities.

As part of its strategic expansion plans, the business is acquiring an established payroll bureau with approximately 300 active clients and annual recurring fee income of circa £330,000. This acquisition creates an exciting opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to take the lead, ensuring a seamless transition whilst driving future growth and service excellence.

Description

As Senior Payroll Manager, you will take full responsibility for leading and developing the payroll function following the acquisition. This role blends operational leadership, people management, client relationship management, and strategic development, making it far more than a traditional payroll position.

Working closely with senior leadership, you will oversee the successful integration of the business, support the transition from the outgoing owner, and become the key figure responsible for the continued success and growth of the payroll division.

Day-to-day, you will lead a team of payroll professionals, ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across a diverse client portfolio, provide expert guidance on payroll legislation and compliance, and act as a trusted advisor to both clients and internal stakeholders.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the wider growth strategy of the department. Whether that's improving processes, developing new service offerings, supporting business development activity, creating marketing content, or expanding the team as the client base grows, you'll play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the division.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys the technical aspects of payroll but is equally motivated by leadership, commercial involvement, and the opportunity to build something.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the payroll department, contributing to its long‑term strategy and growth.
• Manage the successful transition and integration of the acquired payroll bureau.
• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Maintain compliance with all UK payroll, taxation and HMRC requirements, including RTI and year‑end submissions.
• Act as the senior point of contact for complex payroll queries and escalations.
• Manage, mentor and develop payroll team members.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and training of new payroll staff as the business grows.
• Review and improve payroll processes, systems and efficiencies.
• Build strong relationships with clients, delivering an exceptional service experience.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to the promotion and growth of payroll services.

Profile

We're looking for a payroll professional who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and commercial awareness.

You'll likely bring:

• Significant payroll management experience, ideally within a bureau, accountancy practice, professional services, or outsourced payroll environment.
• A strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, compliance requirements, and HMRC regulations.
• Experience managing and developing payroll teams.
• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the desire to enhance processes and services.
• Commercial awareness and an interest in contributing to business growth.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach and the confidence to operate autonomously.

Job Offer

• £60,000 - £70,000 per annum, dependent upon experience.
• Annual firm‑wide bonus scheme of up to 10% of salary.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Birthday off and Christmas Eve off.
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' holiday after 12 months' service.
• Flexible working with core hours of 10am - 3pm.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Life assurance cover (4x annual salary).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Active social committee and calendar of events.
• Genuine opportunity to shape and grow a key business function.