Payroll & Benefits Manager

Job Title:

Pay and Benefits ManagerLocation: Liverpool / St Helens / Warrington (Base in Liverpool with travel to other sites)Reports to: Group Head of Total Reward, Data and TechnologyResponsible for: Pay and Benefits Officers, Pay and Benefits Coordinator
Purpose of the Role:

To manage and deliver a high-quality, customer-focused reward, benefits, payroll, and pensions service that is accurate and timely. The role also leads on People Services systems, data, and projects, including systems implementation and policy development for reward, benefits, pay, and pensions processes. You will work collaboratively with stakeholders and the wider People Services team to achieve strategic and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Services
• Manage, supervise, and develop the pay and benefits team, ensuring effective payroll service delivery.
• Maintain and process reward, benefits, payroll, and pensions information through People Services systems.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all payroll and benefits data.
• Keep up to date with legal and regulatory requirements, advising management and implementing changes.
• Work closely with Finance to ensure accurate payroll and pensions processing, including year-end statutory returns.
• Manage system administration for payroll and benefits, including LGPS and GPP schemes, mileage, starters/leavers, holiday trading, etc.
• Investigate and resolve payroll and pension issues promptly.
• Prepare monthly and year-end reports for stakeholders and HMRC.
• Administer and promote employee benefits, ensuring correct tax treatment.
• Submit statutory reports to regulatory bodies (ONS, HMRC, pension providers).

• Collaborate with People Services and project groups to produce robust solutions.
• Communicate with customers, troubleshoot issues, and provide advice.
• Liaise with software providers to resolve system issues.
• Support large-scale organisational change with senior stakeholders.

• Update and maintain payroll and benefits policies and procedures.
• Ensure systems meet legislative requirements.
• Lead audits and investigations.

• Apply robust appraisal and reporting processes.
• Streamline People Services systems and processes for simplicity and efficiency.

• Ensure compliance with H&S policies.
• Embed fairness and equality in service delivery.
• Promote safeguarding and report concerns promptly.

• Essential:
  • Relevant professional qualification (e.g., CIPP) or equivalent experience in payroll/reward/benefits/pensions.
  • Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
  • Proven experience managing payroll and benefits teams.
  • Strong knowledge of compliance and legislative requirements.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Experience in systems implementation and project management.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.