Senior Payroll Manager

Senior Payroll Manager £50,000 – £60,000 + Benefits Permanent | Full-Time | Four-Day Working Week Hybrid Working Available A highly regarded and growing professional services business is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join its leadership team. This newly created role offers the opportunity to play a key part in the continued growth and development of a successful payroll function. Working closely with senior leadership, you will provide operational oversight, lead process improvements, support strategic initiatives and help develop a high-performing team. With a genuine commitment to work-life balance, the business operates a four-day working week, providing an exceptional opportunity for an experienced payroll professional seeking both career progression and flexibility. The Role Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will provide day-to-day operational leadership across the payroll department, ensuring exceptional client service while supporting the continued growth and scalability of the business. You will act as a senior escalation point, champion operational efficiencies and help foster a culture of continuous improvement and team development. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership * Provide senior operational oversight across the payroll function. * Manage complex client queries and escalations, ensuring issues are resolved effectively and within agreed timescales. * Monitor workloads and capacity across the team, proactively identifying risks and bottlenecks. * Drive operational efficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance performance. Strategic and Commercial Support * Support key strategic and commercial projects across the payroll function. * Work closely with senior leaders to enable continued growth and operational excellence. * Contribute to departmental planning and continuous improvement initiatives. Client Relationship Management * Ensure high standards of client service and satisfaction are maintained. * Act as a senior point of contact for clients where required. * Support the team in delivering exceptional service and maintaining strong client relationships. Leadership and Team Development * Provide coaching, mentoring and support to managers and wider team members. * Assist with performance management and employee development. * Contribute to succession planning and the long-term resilience of the payroll function. * Promote a collaborative, high-performing culture. About You You are an experienced payroll leader who combines strong operational expertise with a passion for people development and continuous improvement. Essential Skills and Experience - Significant experience in a senior payroll operations or payroll management role. - Proven ability to manage complex operational environments and client escalations. - Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing teams. - A track record of delivering process improvements and operational efficiencies. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. - Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities. Desirable - Experience supporting strategic or commercial projects within a payroll or professional services environment. - Familiarity with payroll systems and relevant legislation. - CIPP qualification or equivalent professional accreditation. What's on Offer? * Salary of £50,000 – £60,000 depending on experience * Four-day working week * Hybrid working arrangements * A senior leadership position with real influence and visibility * The opportunity to shape and develop a growing payroll function * A supportive, collaborative and ambitious culture * Long-term career progression opportunities * Competitive benefits package This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to step into a senior leadership role within a progressive organisation that genuinely values flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth. To apply, please submit your CV together with a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience