HR and Payroll Lead
Salary: £41,000 – £47,000
Location: Hybrid – 4 days on-site, 1 day remote, Merseyside
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
An established higher education institution is seeking an experienced HR and Payroll Lead to support its in-house HR team during a period of operational transition and system change.
This is a key operational role requiring a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in payroll, HR systems, and process improvement. The successful candidate will play a central role in maintaining efficient HR and payroll services across a complex and varied workforce, including both substantive staff and a high volume of casual and visiting professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and support monthly payroll operations, including processing of casual and variable-hour contracts
- Collaborate with Payroll and Pensions Officers to ensure accurate and timely payments, including separate pension runs
- Provide guidance on HR policies and procedures to managers and employees
- Support the implementation and optimisation of a new HRIS, contributing to process redesign and efficiency improvements
- Supervise and support two HR Administrators, providing day-to-day leadership and oversight
- Coordinate and validate workforce data across departments to ensure accuracy in reporting and payroll inputs
Candidate Profile:
- Demonstrable experience in managing or supporting complex payroll operations
- Familiarity with HR systems and involvement in HRIS transitions or implementations
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to advise and support staff at all levels
- CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience; candidates without formal qualifications must demonstrate substantial practical expertise
- Experience in higher education is not essential; candidates from other sectors with relevant skills and adaptability are welcome
Application Process:
Applications are requested as soon as possible, with initial screening calls expected to begin early next week. Interviews will be coordinated shortly thereafter.
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