Payroll Manager

Description

At System C, we're on a mission to improve health and care outcomes through technology. As we continue to grow and evolve, we're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery across our multi-entity organisation, including international arrangements managed through external providers. The role also oversees payroll-related pension administration, employment tax compliance, payroll systems, controls and continuous improvement, while supporting business growth and transformation.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a senior payroll professional who combines deep technical expertise with confident people leadership. You'll have the autonomy to strengthen controls, modernise systems and processes, and shape a critical payroll function through acquisitions, integrations and wider organisational change.

What you'll be doing

You'll own payroll operations and controls across the organisation, working closely with Finance, HR, Tax and external providers to deliver a responsive, compliant and well-controlled service. You will act as the senior payroll escalation point and subject matter expert, partnering with key stakeholders who own employee data, worker engagement approvals and related policy decisions.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading accurate and timely end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple entities, including overseas payrolls managed through external providers and the monthly processing of commission, on-call allowances, overtime and other variable pay
• Managing payroll controls, reconciliations, approvals and reporting
• Ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance and statutory requirements
• Overseeing payroll year-end activities, including P60s, P11Ds, annual share scheme reporting to HMRC and other statutory submissions
• Supporting pension administration and auto-enrolment compliance
• Supporting HMRC compliance for off-payroll workers, including approved PAYE and National Insurance treatment and appropriate payment controls
• Driving payroll system optimisation, process improvement and automation initiatives
• Leading payroll workstreams linked to acquisitions, business integrations and TUPE transfers
• Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing payroll team, with clear accountability, effective performance management, appropriate cover for critical activities, and a strong culture of customer service, ownership and continuous improvement

What we're looking for

You'll bring

• Substantial experience leading complex UK payroll operations, with accountability for accurate delivery, compliance and control
• Experience coordinating overseas payrolls and providing monthly payroll inputs to external bureaux or in-country providers
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance and statutory payments

Experience working across multi-entity organisations

Experience managing outsourced payroll providers and advisers

Knowledge of pension administration and auto-enrolment requirements

Experience using ADP or another enterprise payroll system, with the ability to improve system controls, data quality and reporting

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Strong controls, reconciliation and problem-solving capability

CIPP qualification, or equivalent relevant payroll experience, would be advantageous, as would experience of IR35 and off-payroll worker compliance, acquisitions and integrations, payroll/HR transformation programmes, or working in a technology, private equity-backed or similarly fast-paced and acquisitive business.

Why join System C?

At System C, you'll be part of a collaborative organisation where people work as one team, take ownership, continuously improve and always do the right thing. We support professional development, offer flexible benefits, and provide opportunities to make a meaningful impact through your work.

If you're ready to lead a critical function, shape the future of payroll operations and make a real impact, apply today.

At System C, we believe great work happens when flexibility and collaboration come together. All our roles are offered on a hybrid basis, with colleagues spending a minimum of two days each week in the office to connect, create, and grow together. (Excludes associate and field-based roles).

We prioritise transparency in our job requirements and selection criteria, ensuring they are based solely on the essentials needed for effective job performance. We consciously avoid assumptions that could skew our perception of a candidate’s suitability for hire.

Our recruitment practices are designed to ensure that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged by procedures or requirements that disproportionately affect protected groups without being essential for the job.

For every position, we develop a detailed job description and person specification. This approach maintains our focus on the true demands of the role and the skills, experience, and qualifications necessary. During interviews, we involve multiple interviewers where possible to further mitigate unintentional bias, thereby promoting a fair and equitable hiring process.