Location: Swindon - Hybrid working - 2-3 days per week, less so further into the role. May be some flexibility but must be willing to travel to Swindon.

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead our central Government client's payroll initiatives. This role will involve overseeing the scoping, development, and seamless integration of new payroll systems in collaboration with our Government partners. The successful candidate will ensure these systems transition smoothly into ongoing operations, maintaining business continuity and delivering exceptional service.

The ideal candidate will have a solid background as a Payroll Manager and experience implementing new payroll systems in a complex organisation.

As a Payroll Manager, you will collaborate with client Programme Teams, as well as Operational & Functional teams, to shape the future of payroll and pension services. Regular interaction with the Payroll Operations Manager will be crucial to guarantee that new systems and their implementation align with client and service operational needs. Additionally, you will work closely with Service Delivery and Customer Service managers, as well as governing bodies and Client Programme Management Offices, to ensure consistent business processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership: Facilitate programme meetings, planning sessions, and workshops aimed at the successful implementation of new payroll systems.
• Collaboration: Partner with governing bodies and client Programme Managers to define and track specific payroll deliverables and milestones.
• Process Improvement: Identify gaps in existing business processes arising from implementation activities and make necessary adjustments.
• Service Delivery Coordination: Work with Service Delivery teams to organize staff participation in testing events, ensuring business-as-usual operations remain unaffected.
• Project Management: Lead payroll-related activities across projects, ensuring the successful execution of all planned end-to-end parallel run procedures.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the operational SME for all pay-related activities, ensuring that payroll best practices are integrated into new solutions.
• Pension Liaison: Collaborate with pension providers to ensure new system implementations meet their requirements and are incorporated into the overall project.
• Reporting: Keep senior managers and the Executive team fully informed of payroll implementation progress and key developments.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership Experience: Demonstrated payroll experience at a managerial level, with a strong focus on leading teams to success.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in working with SaaS solutions and extensive experience in payroll system implementation projects.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of up-to-date payroll best practices and industry standards.
• Problem Solving: A proactive, solution-oriented approach to challenges and the ability to drive continuous improvement.
• Customer Focus: Exceptional leadership skills with a strong emphasis on customer service and delivery excellence.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and present complex management information effectively.

Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let us know.

If you consider yourself to have a disability or if you are a veteran, and you meet the essential criteria for the role, you will be put forward for the Guaranteed Interview' scheme whereby you will have the opportunity to discuss this role and your suitability with a member of the Sourcing team.

As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we provide the best talent and encourage all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.