Payroll Manager

An established outsourced payroll provider is looking to appoint an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and develop a growing payroll function. This is a hands-on leadership role combining client-facing delivery, team management, and process improvement across a varied client portfolio.
Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (also open to part-time, minimum 4 days / 30 hours per week)
Location: Leicester (LE19) — office-based with on-site client support as required
The role
You’ll take ownership of end-to-end payroll operations while acting as a trusted expert for clients and an effective leader for the payroll team. Key responsibilities include:
Client & onboarding

Acting as the go-to payroll expert for client queries (including complex cases)
Leading new client onboarding: system setup, data migration, and process design
Delivering software demos and supporting proposals for new business
Building long-term client relationships and managing expectations confidentlyPayroll delivery

Overseeing multiple payroll cycles (weekly / fortnightly / monthly)
Ensuring payroll is accurate, compliant, and on time
Reviewing complex calculations (statutory payments, terminations, adjustments)
Providing on-site support to clients (issue resolution / operational cover)
Supporting ad-hoc payroll work as neededTeam leadership & planning

Leading, mentoring and developing a payroll team (work allocation, deadlines, technical support)
Conducting regular 1:1s and performance reviews
Supporting hiring and development of future talent
Coordinating cover for absence/peak periods and contributing to forecasting/performance trackingSystems & compliance

Ensuring compliance with UK payroll and HMRC legislation
Working with systems including Paycircle, Sage, Modulr, NEST, and The People’s Pension
Completing payroll health checks to identify risks and improvements for non-payroll clientsWhat we’re looking for

Proven experience in a Payroll Manager / Senior Payroll role
Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll + HMRC legislation
Experience managing a team and handling multiple client payrolls
Confident communicator with strong client-facing capability
Commercial awareness (comfortable managing fee reviews/pricing discussions)
Proactive, improvement-led leadership styleBenefits

Salary sacrifice schemes
34 days holiday (option to buy more)
Private health insurance
Death in service benefit
Free on-site parking
Healthshield
Performance development support
Open plan office

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