Payroll & People Services Manager

I am working with an NHS Provider who are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Manager to oversee and enhance their Payroll and People Services function. This position plays a key role in strengthening service delivery, modernising processes, and providing expert guidance across a complex organisation.

This opportunity would suit someone with deep payroll knowledge, ideally within a large public sector or healthcare setting, combined with strong operational leadership and a track record of delivering improvement in challenging environments.

About the role

You will be responsible for ensuring the effective and accurate delivery of payroll services through third-party providers, while acting as the organisation’s subject matter expert on payroll, compliance, and workforce-related matters. Working closely with senior colleagues across HR and Finance, you will help shape strategy, improve governance, and enhance the overall employee experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing end-to-end payroll delivery via external providers, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and performance against agreed standards
• Acting as a lead specialist during procurement and contract management of payroll services
• Strengthening processes, controls, and assurance frameworks to support compliance and audit requirements
• Driving service improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and customer experience
• Leading system optimisation and continuous improvement activity
• Building strong relationships across HR, Finance, and external partners as a key interface

About you

You will bring significant payroll expertise, with a strong understanding of complex pay frameworks, pensions, and statutory requirements. Experience within the NHS is essential

You will also demonstrate:

• A proven ability to lead and develop teams, including managing performance and supporting change
• Experience overseeing outsourced payroll services, including managing supplier performance and service levels
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems, data integrity, and financial controls
• A track record of stabilising and improving services within complex or evolving environments
• Confidence in advising senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making