Deputy Head of Payroll Services

We're looking for a skilled and motivated Deputy Head of Payroll Services to join Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable, efficient, and customer-focused Pay Services function. This role contributes to the wider Employee Value Proposition (EVP), helping to attract and retain employees and position Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) as the 'Employer of Choice' in Greater Manchester

This is an exciting opportunity for an expert in Payroll, Pensions and Expenses to make a meaningful impact across a large and complex organisation. You'll ensure our Pay Services are compliant, accurate, and customer-focused while acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of Payroll Services.

If you thrive in a leadership role, have a keen eye for detail, and want to contribute to the success of one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

As Deputy Head of Pay Services, you will:

Support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of MFT's Pay Services strategy.

Lead and develop a team, including direct line management of the Payroll Operations Manager and Quality Assurance & Improvement Lead.

Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll, pensions, and expenses.

Provide expert advice on statutory pay matters, including Income Tax, NI, Sick Pay, and Maternity Pay.

Act as deputy for the Head of Payroll Services, attending Trust-wide meetings and influencing senior stakeholders.

Develop and monitor service governance, KPIs, and SLAs, ensuring accountability and improvement.

Drive innovation through systems, automation, and process optimisation.

Maintain strong stakeholder relationships with staff, unions, external partners, and statutory bodies.

Support team development through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning.

Ensure compliance with legal frameworks, governance requirements, and Trust policies.

We're looking for someone who is:

An experienced payroll and pensions professional with expert knowledge of legislation and best practice.

A confident communicator with the ability to advise, influence, and engage senior stakeholders.

Skilled in leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.

Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

At Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT), we pride ourselves on a values-driven culture and a commitment to exceptional care for Greater Manchester. Within Pay Services, you'll join a supportive, collaborative team that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous learning, with modern systems to deliver the best service for staff and patients.

We invest in professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead impactful projects. As part of one of the UK's largest NHS Trusts, you'll enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, wellbeing initiatives, and clear career progression.

MFT operates 10 hospitals and community services, serving 1 million patients annually, with a workforce of 30,000. We champion collaboration, digital innovation—including our Hive Electronic Patient Record system—and transformation to improve clinical quality, patient experience, and operational efficiency.

As a leading academic, research, and education center, we support high-quality research and innovation, while our Green Plan reflects a commitment to sustainable healthcare. At MFT, we foster inclusion, wellbeing, and transparent career development, empowering staff to shape the future of our organisation.

As Deputy Head of Pay Services, your responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Strategy

Deputise for the Head of Payroll Services/Associate Director of Workforce Services.

Support the design and delivery of MFT's Pay Services strategy and contribute to organisational goals.

Lead and manage senior team members, ensuring objectives, appraisals, and personal development plans are in place.

Operations & Compliance

Oversee the accuracy and timeliness of payroll, pensions, and expenses services.

Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, HMRC guidance, GDPR, FOI, and Trust policies.

Support development and monitoring of SLAs and KPIs, providing performance reports and governance assurance.

Lead on payroll system changes and contribute to functional audits, benchmarking, and surveys.

Customer Service & Communications

Maintain MFT's reputation for high-quality, customer-focused Pay Services.

Provide expert advice to staff, managers, and external stakeholders on complex payroll and pensions issues.

Build strong relationships with recognised trade unions, statutory bodies, and external partners.

Promote continuous improvement, best practice, and effective knowledge sharing.

Innovation & Improvement

Drive initiatives to optimise e-systems, automation, and AI within Pay Services.

Identify and deliver cost and efficiency savings, service enhancements, and income generation opportunities.

Contribute to project work and Trust-wide initiatives that support the EVP.

Team Development & Personal Growth

Support talent management, coaching, and mentoring across the team.

Contribute to succession planning and workforce resilience.

Commit to your own professional development, keeping up to date with payroll legislation and policy changes.