Payroll Manager

Fixed Term Payroll Manager job until January 2027

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 now

If 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.
#