Payroll & Pensions Manager (Temporary)

We are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Pensions Manager to oversee the delivery of a complex UK payroll and pensions function. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional with strong technical expertise and leadership skills to ensure an accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll service.

This is a hybrid position, requiring 3 days per week in the office and 2 days working from home.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the end to end UK payroll process for approximately 1,500 employees and pensioners, ensuring all payroll activities are delivered accurately, on time, and in line with current legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full end to end UK payroll operation for employees and pensioners.
• Ensure the accurate processing of salaries, overtime, bonuses, commissions, expenses, and statutory payments.
• Manage all payroll-related employee lifecycle activities, including starters, leavers, contractual amendments, and pay changes.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory reporting requirements, and pension auto-enrolment legislation.
• Manage payroll activity across iTrent and a bespoke payroll system, ensuring data integrity and process efficiency.
• Lead payroll improvement initiatives, system enhancements, and ongoing process optimisation projects.
• Act as the primary escalation point for payroll and pension-related queries from employees, managers, HR, and Finance teams.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with pension providers, auditors, HMRC, and other external stakeholders.
• Produce payroll reporting and analysis, utilising advanced Excel skills to support business requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, driving high levels of performance and continuous improvement.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience operating at Payroll Manager level or within a senior payroll leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments, and pension regulations.
• Experience managing high volume payrolls of approximately 1,500 employees.
• Previous experience using iTrent and payroll management systems.
• Excellent understanding of end to end UK payroll processes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including reporting and data analysis.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll qualification desirable.
• Demonstrable experience identifying and implementing process improvements.

About You

You will be a confident and approachable payroll professional who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent people management skills. You will have the ability to build effective relationships across HR, Finance, and the wider business whilst ensuring payroll services are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with legislative requirements.

Hybrid Working: 3 days office based, 2 days working from home.
Payroll Size: Approximately 1,500 employees and pensioners.
Systems: iTrent and bespoke payroll system.