Job Introduction

As the Payroll Implementation Manager, you will manage the transformation of payroll operations, driving innovation and best practices to enhance the employee experience and streamline our payroll processes. Your expertise will be instrumental in optimizing payroll systems, integrating new technologies, and developing robust procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including HR, Finance, and IT, you will orchestrate the end-to-end implementation process, from requirements gathering to system configuration, testing, and deployment. Your strategic mindset and leadership will be key in driving change, and providing training and support to stakeholders at all levels.

About Shared Services

Our Shared Services team deliver specialist processes that have a direct impact on the performance of Network Rail, our customers and suppliers. These services include payroll, recruitment and onboarding, payables, receivables, financial accounting, reporting, controls and compliance, and helpdesk support.

Main Responsibility

What you will be doing

• Deliver a professional, consistent, and effective project implementation service within Payroll Shared Services in accordance with Network Rail and Route Services governance processes and standards.
• Develop, maintain, and drive credible project plans and timelines along with pre-emptive and skilled risk management to avoid issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Proactively manage and take the lead on payroll continuous improvement projects, using technical knowledge whilst engaging specialist expertise as required.
• Support Senior Payroll Operations Manager with payroll projects to deliver all related activities within project timeline to incorporate continuous improvements, training, UAT testing and parallel runs.
• Identify efficiencies and continuous improvement taking appropriate action to resolve issues and escalate as appropriate.
• Manage project timelines, change control, and progress reporting to Senior Payroll Operations Manager, providing all cost, contingency and project / programme details to demonstrate traceability of costs to the project.
• Develop and continually improve relations with key stakeholders within the HR and Reward teams), define and embed a customer centric culture where all team members consider the impact on customers and their future requirements.
• Build and maintain quality relationships with business representatives (SMEs) and stakeholders so that expectations are managed. Resolve any issues and concerns concerning payroll projects as the principal point of contact within the payroll team.
• Operate within the pre-agreed control framework; embed a control mind set amongst all stakeholders to reduce risk and control costs. Continually reviewing the framework for adherence, where gaps are identified, take personal ownership to define, socialise and embed improvements.

Next Steps: Further Opportunities?

Due to the level of exposure you gain from this role, this would be a great way to develop and progress into other training opportunities in and around Shared Services.

What Training Can I expect?

Your commitment to self-development and continuous learning is hugely important in this role and we'll provide you with all the training to help you develop into role. 

What Are My Working Hours?

35 Hours a week Monday to Friday 

What’s the local area like?

Short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station and Manchester City Centre 

You will be require to travel to other NR locations as and when needed and for upskilling

The Ideal Candidate

What could set you apart

• Project Management Qualification (e.g. PMI, Prince, MSP, Agile, APM Project, PFQ)
• Knowledge and experience as a Project Manager within a similar operation
• Exceptional customer focus/engagement/stakeholder management skills
• Proven influencing and networking skills at a management level.
• Organised and self-starter with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven analytical skills; ability to produce, interpret and work comfortably with management information in a KPI driven environment.
• Have the ability to make tough decisions needed to succeed and having the courage to honestly communicate those decisions.
• Demonstrable experience in leading service, process and system improvements applying LEAN or equivalent methodology.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal (comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and/or customers)

Nice to have

• Operational knowledge of payroll subject areas
• Educated to CIPP level or equivalent.
• ORACLE eBusiness Suite experience

Package Description

Join us as a Payroll Implementation Manager and shape the future

Are you ready to support payroll processes and drive efficiency in a dynamic environment? Do you have a passion for streamlining operations and maximizing accuracy?

If you're ready to embark on a career-defining journey, look no further! Network Rail is thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for a Payroll Implementation Manager to join our dynamic team within Shared Services.

Join Network Rail, the heartbeat of Britain's railway infrastructure, as a Payroll Implementation Manager, and be at the forefront of revolutionizing our payroll processes. In this pivotal role, you will manage the change in implementing systems and technologies to ensure seamless, efficient, and accurate payment processes for our diverse workforce.

Role:  Payroll Implementation Manager

Location: Manchester Square One (Hybrid working 2/3 days in the office)

Contract Type: Permanent 

Salary range: Band 4B £35,582 - £40,029 per annum 

Closing date: 22/04/2024

Interviews: Interviews will be held on the 24th April 2024

For applicants requiring reasonable adjustments or with protected characteristics, please contact us at RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk  to discuss your needs confidentially.

About the Company

We’re an organisation where people matter. You matter to us, and you’ll matter to millions.

We offer a range of benefits including

• Flexible working patterns such as working from home and working compressed hours
• 75% off Leisure Travel
• 75% off Rail and underground season tickets
• A range of pension schemes
• Healthcare Scheme
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and volunteering/careers days (5 days)
• 2 weeks paid reserve leave for our Armed Forces community
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Gym Pass – Access to gyms across the UK
• Access to ‘My Benefits’ portal which include discounts in food, technology, and experience days.

In 2023, we achieved Stonewall Top 100 Employer status.

Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country’s economic prosperity. Safety is our number one priority. 

We're undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First - becoming a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users.

As one of the UK’s leading equal opportunities employers, our values and the way we behave is important to us and we have created an environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution. We have seven employee networks that provide fantastic support, opportunities and development for applicants from all backgrounds. Click here for more information

All prospective external candidates offered a conditional role will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd