Payroll & Data Specialist
Nottingham (NG2) – Hybrid Working
£40,000–£45,000
Contract – Temporary role
About the Role
We’re looking for a skilled Payroll & Data Manager to lead the delivery of accurate, compliant payroll and high-quality people data. This is a fantastic contract opportunity for someone who thrives on precision, governance, and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Head of People Experience Delivery, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring every colleague is paid correctly, while transforming how people data is used to generate insight and support decision-making.
This role blends compliance, leadership, and innovation—helping to build trust in our systems and create a strong foundation for workforce analytics.
What You’ll Be Doing
Payroll Leadership
- Lead end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance
- Act as the subject matter expert on payroll legislation, policies, and best practice
- Oversee payroll cycles and provide assurance on statutory and contractual pay matters
Data Governance & Quality
- Own and maintain data governance frameworks, including GDPR and audit standards
- Ensure people data is accurate, secure, and aligned with organisational needs
- Drive continuous improvement in data quality and reporting
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with Finance, Reward, IT, and People teams to align payroll and data processes
- Act as a trusted advisor to leaders, resolving complex queries and driving shared accountability
Process Improvement & Systems
- Optimise payroll and data workflows using technology and automation
- Work closely with systems specialists to improve efficiency and reduce risk
Provider Management
- Manage external payroll providers to ensure strong service delivery and value
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a small Payroll & Data team
- Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
The Impact You’ll Make
- Every colleague is paid accurately and on time
- Payroll processes are compliant, efficient, and trusted
- People data becomes a reliable source of insight
- Strong collaboration across teams improves overall service delivery
- Your team feels supported, empowered, and motivated
What You’ll Bring
Experience & Expertise
- Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll operations
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC processes, and pensions
- Expertise in HR systems, payroll platforms, and data reporting tools
- Experience in data governance, GDPR, and audit compliance
- Ability to analyse payroll and people data to generate insights
- Experience leading a small team or specialist function
Skills & Behaviours
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
- Coaching and facilitation skills
- A mindset for continuous improvement and innovation
- Solid planning and project management capability