Payroll & People Services Manager

Castlefield Recruitment are partnering with a large public sector organisation based in Oxfordshire, to recruit an experienced Payroll & People Services Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The Role

As Payroll & People Services Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day delivery of payroll and people services, ensuring colleagues receive an accurate and timely service while maintaining compliance with payroll legislation, employment regulations and organisational policies.

Alongside operational leadership, you'll build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers, identify opportunities to improve systems and processes, and support the ongoing development of your team.

Key Responsibilities

\n
• Take ownership of the organisation's payroll operation, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time and in line with statutory requirements.
\n
• Develop a strong working partnership with the outsourced payroll provider, holding them accountable for service delivery and driving continuous improvements.
\n
• Oversee the full employee lifecycle from a payroll and people services perspective, including contractual changes, family leave, sickness, retirements, leavers, salary amendments and expenses.
\n
• Lead, motivate and develop the People Services team, creating a positive, high-performing environment that delivers an excellent service to colleagues.
\n
• Ensure payroll and HR data is maintained accurately, securely and in accordance with relevant legislation and internal policies.
\n
• Work closely with HR, Finance and operational managers to resolve complex payroll queries and support organisational objectives.
\n
• Produce and analyse payroll reports and management information to support informed decision-making and identify trends.
\n
• Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on payroll legislation, pensions, tax and employment terms and conditions, providing advice and guidance to managers and stakeholders.
\n
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve systems and enhance the overall employee experience while reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
\n
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the payroll and people services function delivers a responsive, customer-focused service.
\n

About You

\n
• Significant experience managing payroll within a large and complex organisation.
\n
• A strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, pensions, tax, National Insurance and employment terms and conditions.
\n
• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers or third-party service contracts.
\n
• Proven experience leading, motivating and developing teams.
\n
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across HR, Finance and the wider business.
\n
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
\n
• Experience using HR and payroll systems, with ESR experience desirable but not essential.
\n
• A proactive approach with a genuine passion for improving processes and delivering an outstanding customer experience.
\n