Senior Operations Manager – Payroll & Pensions

Swindon, Newport, or Stockton-on-Tees – flexible and hybrid working options
Band F - £53,151 - £57,000

It’s an exciting time to join UKSBS as we transform our business to be the leading UK public sector business service provider. Looking ahead, our vision for the next five years is to evolve into the leading HR and payroll service provider for the public sector, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and professional excellence. This journey will involve transitioning from our current two-platform model to a three-platform approach before consolidating to two core platforms across our clients.

We are now seeking an experienced Operations Manager - Payroll & Pensions. This role is central to leading the day-to-day operations of our payroll and pensions service, ensuring the efficient and effective running of payroll and pensions operations for our central government client base and over 40,000 pay-rolled users. You will lead and optimise our end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery for a diverse employee population.

Duties

• Develop and implement a payroll and pensions operations function that is aligned with wider UKSBS Operations and business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of payroll & pensions administrators and coordinators.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement robust process controls, automation, and best practices to streamline payroll workflows and reduce manual intervention.
• Ensure adherence to all statutory requirements, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) regulations, and internal policies; oversee audit preparation and respond to any inquiries or findings.
• Analyse complex queries or exceptions, determine appropriate solutions, and take decisive action to resolve issues promptly.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders to resolve escalations, drive service enhancements, and maintain service integrity.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and service-level agreements (SLAs); produce regular management reports and present insights to senior leadership.
• Lead the payroll and pensions related input into projects, such as system changes, legislative changes, efficiency drives, and client-requested change.
• Proactively identify operational risks within payroll processes, establish clear escalation protocols, and implement mitigation plans to minimise impact on service delivery and compliance.
• Oversee third-party providers; manage contracts, review performance, and ensure alignment with service expectations.