Castlefield Recruitment
Payroll & People Services Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Castlefield Recruitment are partnering with a large public sector organisation based in Oxfordshire, to recruit an experienced Payroll & People Services Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
The Role
As Payroll & People Services Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day delivery of payroll and people services, ensuring colleagues receive an accurate and timely service while maintaining compliance with payroll legislation, employment regulations and organisational policies.
Alongside operational leadership, you'll build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers, identify opportunities to improve systems and processes, and support the ongoing development of your team.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the organisation's payroll operation, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time and in line with statutory requirements.
- Develop a strong working partnership with the outsourced payroll provider, holding them accountable for service delivery and driving continuous improvements.
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle from a payroll and people services perspective, including contractual changes, family leave, sickness, retirements, leavers, salary amendments and expenses.
- Lead, motivate and develop the People Services team, creating a positive, high-performing environment that delivers an excellent service to colleagues.
- Ensure payroll and HR data is maintained accurately, securely and in accordance with relevant legislation and internal policies.
- Work closely with HR, Finance and operational managers to resolve complex payroll queries and support organisational objectives.
- Produce and analyse payroll reports and management information to support informed decision-making and identify trends.
- Act as the organisation's subject matter expert on payroll legislation, pensions, tax and employment terms and conditions, providing advice and guidance to managers and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve systems and enhance the overall employee experience while reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring the payroll and people services function delivers a responsive, customer-focused service.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Significant experience managing payroll within a large and complex organisation.
- A strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, pensions, tax, National Insurance and employment terms and conditions.
- Experience managing outsourced payroll providers or third-party service contracts.
- Proven experience leading, motivating and developing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build strong working relationships across HR, Finance and the wider business.
- Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using HR and payroll systems, with ESR experience desirable but not essential.
- A proactive approach with a genuine passion for improving processes and delivering an outstanding customer experience.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills