Payroll Manager - Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited : Job Details

Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 DOE Location: Mainly Remote (with occasional travel to Leeds circa once per week) Contract Type: Fixed-Term (until January 2027) Employment Type: Full-Time 37.5 hours per week

A respected organisation in the not-for-profit sector is seeking a proactive and experienced Payroll Manager to lead its payroll function through a period of transformation. This is a hands-on role offering strategic influence, operational ownership, and the opportunity to help shape internal policies and systems.

The RoleYou'll oversee the accurate and timely processing of a single monthly payroll for over 1,800 employees, including seasonal and casual staff, with a net spend exceeding £5 million. Managing three direct reports, you'll take full ownership of the transition from outsourced services to an in-house model, including the implementation of Dayforce as the new payroll system.

In addition to operational leadership, you'll play a key role in reviewing and rewriting payroll-related policies and procedures to ensure compliance, clarity, and alignment with best practice.Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the payroll team, balancing priorities and resources
• Oversee the implementation of Dayforce payroll system
• Ensure accurate processing of monthly payroll and benefits deductions
• Manage outsourced provider SLAs and in-sourcing operations
• Reconcile payroll, pensions, and benefits transactions
• Prepare year-end returns including P11Ds, P60s, and EOY accounts
• Administer DB and DC pension schemes, including auto-enrolment
• Provide expert advice on payroll legislation, tax, and NI matters
• Support the review and rewriting of payroll-related policies and procedures
• Coach and develop team members to deliver excellent service
• Liaise with HR, insurers, HMRC, and other external stakeholders
• Payroll for 1,800+ employees (plus seasonal/casual workforce
• Managing 3 direct reports

What We're Looking For

• CIPP membership or equivalent experience
• Experience with payroll system implementation (Dayforce preferred)
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and pension schemes
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced Excel and payroll systems skills (SAP and Dayforce desirable)
• Proven ability to lead in a changing environment
• Experience in policy development or review
• Excellent communication across finance and non-finance teams

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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