Job Introduction

As the Payroll Project Delivery Manager at Network Rail, you will play a crucial role in identifying and delivering Payroll project activities and ad-hoc business requirements. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure that all projects align with Network Rail's benefits, reward, and pension framework. You will identify and implement opportunities for process and system improvements whilst Managing and embedding controls and governance within the Payroll function, with a focus on leveraging automation where appropriate. 

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

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities identifying solutions and guidance on potential changes which will impact the payroll, reward and benefits and pensions process.
• Oversee that all processes are documented, maintained and audited in line with audit requirements to comply with agreed standard operating procedures following changes delivered by a project or ad-hoc business activity. 
• Support automation opportunities within the Payroll team collaborating with the Payroll Implementation Manager to deliver identified opportunities.
• Work alongside Team Manager Customer Delivery within the payroll team to support resolution of queries that arise from implemented projects, Robotic Process Automation initiatives or ad-hoc business requirements.
• Encourage innovative thinking through the Payroll teams to deliver a continual improvement in efficiency and accuracy to increase customer satisfaction. Work with colleagues to turn their ideas into small project delivery.
• Develop and continually improve relations with key stakeholders (Head of Reward & Benefits, Head of Pensions, HR Directors and Industrial Relations), define and embed a customer centric culture where all team members consider the impact on customers and their future requirements.
•  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.
•  Initiate weekly focus initiatives, coaching and empowering team members to innovate existing processes to drive continuous improvement in the department and wider organisation.

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 and qualifications 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 required to travel to other NR locations as and  when needed and for upskilling.

The Ideal Candidate

What could set you apart?

• Extensive experience of working within payroll
• Experience with managing complex payroll customer queries
• Experience of Mi reporting and data management
• Proven excel skills to advanced level
• Experience of large volume activity, experience in query resolution, payroll training, documentation of process and procedures
• Proven analytical skills; ability to produce, interpret and work comfortably with management information in a KPI driven environment
• Proven self-starter with the ability to motivate a team in high pressured situations leading by example
• Proven influencing, networking and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrable experience in leading service, process and system improvements
• Excellent communication skills, flexible and adaptive

Nice to have

• Experience of managing improvement projects and processing high volume activity
• Experience in LEAN or equivalent
• Experience of Robotic Process Automation delivery
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal (comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders and/or customers) ORACLE eBusiness Suite or similar experience
• ORACLE eBusiness Suite experience

Package Description

Join Network Rail as a Payroll Project Delivery Manager and play a pivotal role in revolutionizing our payroll systems to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.

In this dynamic position, you will manage  the implementation of innovative payroll solutions, driving transformative change across our organization. Your mission will be to lead a dedicated team, streamline processes, and harness cutting-edge technology to deliver seamless payroll services for our diverse workforce. By optimizing systems and workflows, you will empower our teams to focus on their core responsibilities while enhancing employee satisfaction and engagement.

If you're passionate about driving excellence in payroll and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact with Network Rail.

Role:  Payroll Project Delivery 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 29th 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