Payroll Manager

The Senior Payroll Manager is a key leadership role within a multi-client payroll environment. This position is responsible for leading payroll managers and specialist teams while ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of outsourced payroll services. The Senior Payroll Manager will combine people leadership, operational oversight, client engagement, and strategic contribution, with a strong focus on service quality, continuous improvement, and commercial outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop Payroll Managers and Payroll Specialists, fostering a high-performance, collaborative, and client-focused culture.
• Drive performance management, employee engagement, and succession planning across the payroll function.
• Oversee the delivery of multiple outsourced payrolls, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and agreed service levels.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll matters and maintain oversight of a portfolio of key clients.
• Build and sustain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor and senior point of contact.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders across operations, HR, IT, and leadership to ensure seamless payroll delivery.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the payroll offering, supporting growth, innovation, and service enhancement.
• Lead and support payroll projects, including system implementations, automation initiatives, and compliance-driven change.
• Monitor operational KPIs and drive continuous improvement in efficiency and service quality.
• Support budgeting, resource planning, and commercial activity, including client proposals and pricing input.

Experience & Qualifications

• 8–10 years’ payroll experience, including 3–5 years in a senior payroll leadership role.
• Proven experience managing outsourced, multi-client payroll services.
• Expert knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, and best practice.
• Strong people leadership and senior stakeholder management capability.
• Commercially astute with a strong client service focus.
• Third-level qualification in Payroll, HR, Finance, or a related discipline.
• IPASS qualification is essential.