Head of Payroll

Join Network Rail! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Safe behaviouris a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

This role sits within Business Services, Route Services at Network Rail. Business Services is made up of two sub-business units, including Shared Services, which plays a vital role in supporting the wider organisation. Shared Services delivers efficient, high-quality operational support, driving consistency and value through streamlined processes and economies of scale. The team works collaboratively to provide reliable services to both internal stakeholders and external customers, ensuring the business operates effectively.

Contract type: This is a12 month Secondment/ FTC - possibility to be extended or become a permanent position

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Band & Salary
: £71,163 - £86,801 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

Working pattern
:
Hybrid working: this role permits hybrid working, employees are expected to work from a Network Rail location for 60% of their weekly hours, typically 3 days for full time roles,

Please note this role may close early in the event of a high number of applications.

Main responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for Network Rail Shared Services (NRSS) payroll Team, whilst complying with best practice, corporate policy and statutory legislation, to meet the requirements of Network Rail business units and regions
• Develop and implement long term strategic relationships with key senior stakeholders to support them to deliver any business objectives impacting payroll through the provision of insight, guidance and support to achieve desired outcomes. Define agree and own performance metrics and service level agreements for Payroll in line with customer requirements and NRSS cost, quality and control considerations.
• Establish performance goals, allocate resource and enforce the maintenance of policies, procedures and processes within NRSS Payroll. Embedding and developing a customer focused culture.
• Lead a cost-efficient Payroll service across service delivery lines. Focus on utilising automation, continuous improvement and standardisation to eliminate waste and create capacity for potential future service growth.
• Deliver both strategic and operational project activity within NRSS Payroll. Support design, delivery and future change through a focus on development of system, process and people.
• Implement and maintain a robust control framework for all NRSS Payroll processes and data held on behalf of Network Rail and its employees. Drive enhancements in Payroll data quality, compliance and management in line with legislation.
• Promote and lead a culture where employees are empowered to challenge the norm, adapt and develop processes, systems and controls to support NRSS Payroll delivery to a changing rail industry.
• Lead, as required, a NRSS Payroll review of technology, process and organisational structure to position NRSS Payroll as provider of choice in a changing rail…