Payroll Operations Manager

Your new companyBusiness based to the South of BathYour new roleTo lead the transition of payroll operations in-house (April 2026), ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant payroll services across the wider company. This pivotal role requires a payroll professional with expertise in pensions, payroll systems, and statutory compliance, as well as experience in implementing payroll software. You will play a key role in driving strategic change, system integration, and continuous improvement, while ensuring full compliance with HMRC and regulatory requirements.Payroll Leadership and Management:

• Lead the payroll team to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees, including the production and validation of payslips, statutory returns, and reports.
• Drive the transition of payroll services in-house, leading the implementation of a new payroll system (April 2026) and ensuring a seamless integration with HR and Finance functions.
• Oversee team development, ensuring training, knowledge-sharing, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, pension schemes, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance.
• Actively participate in day-to-day payroll operations to ensure practical knowledge of systems and processes, and to provide operational cover when required.

Strategic Payroll System Implementation and Change Management:

• Lead the implementation of payroll software..
• Develop and execute a strategic plan for payroll operations, focusing on automation, process efficiencies, and data accuracy.

Compliance, Auditing, and Reporting:

• Ensure that all payroll operations comply with statutory regulations, including HMRC enquiries, gender pay gap reporting, and pension submissions.
• Liaise with auditors (internal and external) and provide necessary documentation and support during payroll and pension audits.
• Ensure pension scheme administration is accurate and up-to-date, complying with all regulatory requirements.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication:

• Work closely with the HR and Finance teams to align payroll processes with wider business, ensuring effective inter-departmental collaboration.
• Communicate payroll updates, changes, and compliance requirements to staff in an accessible and timely manner.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on payroll and pension processes, establishing strong, collaborative working relationships.

Financial Accountability and Reporting:

• Ensure accurate payroll costing and financial reporting, providing the Finance Department with data for budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation purposes.
• Utilise payroll software and reporting tools to extract and analyse data, reconciling payroll costs with budget forecasts.
• Oversee the monthly data extraction process from the system for payroll processing and reporting.

What you'll need to succeed

• Payroll professional qualification (e.g., CIPP or equivalent).
• Proven experience in leading payroll operations, with specific experience in payroll system implementation and managing transitions.
• Extensive knowledge of payroll processes, statutory requirements, and pensions administration in a multi-site or complex organisational environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team, driving change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated experience with payroll software implementation, integration, and optimisation.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in payroll software, Microsoft Office, and Google Docs.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the business.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll get in return

• Great team to work with
• Parking
• Excellent pension
• Staff shop discounts
• Use on site gym/pool
• Free lunches/breakfasts

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. INDHAF

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk