The Post HR Services is responsible for a range of people management activities and brings together three teams: HR Operations; Payroll & Pensions; and People Systems and Data Insights. The Payroll & Pensions Manager will work with colleagues to strategically drive transformation within HR Services, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and optimisation of processes. This role demands a proactive approach to leadership, leveraging cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and elevate service delivery, implementing technologies and methodologies to streamline payroll and pension functions. Regulatory compliance is a critical aspect of the Payroll & Pensions Manager role which will require a proactive approach to staying abreast of changes in regulations and legislation, anticipating their implications and leading the implementation of necessary adjustments in a timely manner. By ensuring maintenance of up-to-date and comprehensive guidance notes on end-to-end payroll processing activities, the HR Services Manager will ensure that all payroll activities are conducted in accordance with auditing and legal requirements. Description of Duties Provide results-driven direction and leadership to the Payroll & Pension team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and service enhancement Lead the optimisation of monthly payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, robust record-keeping and compliance with regulations, including (but not limited to): - Processing and management of monthly payroll - Reconciliation of all monthly payroll control accounts - Administration and management of monthly payments in settlement of payroll deductions - Administration and management of the University pension scheme (USS) - Completion and return of all monthly and annual statutory returns - Maintenance of comprehensive user notes on end-to-end payroll processes - Liaison with auditors (internal and external) on all payroll related matters Anticipate and navigate changes in regulations and legislation, leading timely communication and implementation of necessary adjustments and ensuring robust record-keeping is in place for auditing purposes Collaborate with teams across the HR&OD directorate and beyond to align payroll and pension processes and provisions with broader organisational goals Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues in the HE sector, to explore best practice on shared issues and enhance service delivery Play a lead role in the implementation of advanced technologies to enhance payroll and pension functionalities, driving efficiency and accuracy Lead and participate in strategic projects aimed at developing and improving the current integrated HR & Payroll system as well as scoping and implementation of a new integrated people system Essential Criteria Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience Significant payroll management experience Excellent communication, coaching and people skills Advanced knowledge of payroll legislation, including pensions and employment and tax regulations, and their application Substantial experience in running high volume payrolls Strong team leadership skills with experience in coaching and development Strong stakeholder management skills Excellent IT skills, including advanced Excel Proven ability to manage budgets, provide forecasting and create payroll reports Demonstrable evidence and experience in using continuous improvement methodologies to develop efficient, intuitive, and responsive processes For full details of this post please click the apply button.