Payroll & Pensions Manager
Lead the Way as our Payroll & Pensions Manager!
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for precision and a deep understanding of the UK's financial landscape? National Express is looking for a Payroll & Pensions Manager to head up our in-house processing at National Express House.
In this managerial role, you won't just be overseeing numbers; you will be leading a dedicated team of five direct reports to ensure our National Express UK Bus colleagues—circa 500 people—are supported by seamless weekly and monthly payrolls. From managing complex pension schemes to navigating the latest legislative shifts, you will be the expert voice ensuring we remain compliant, efficient, and employee focused.
What you’ll do
- Lead & Empower: Maintain a high performing team through effective recruiting, coaching, and performance management, ensuring every team member has the capacity to deliver.
- Drive Compliance: Take full responsibility for payroll control, authorisation, and sign off, while performing regular audits to ensure total adherence to HMRC rules and Living Wage application.
- Master the Schemes: Manage both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including auto enrollment, salary sacrifice arrangements, and annual declarations to the Pension Regulator.
- Navigate Legislation: Keep the business ahead of the curve by studying new payroll legislation and advising management on vital updates.
- Collaborate & Support: Work closely with third parties like the DWP and HMRC, and partner with our HR team to align activities with our wider strategy.
- Technical Stewardship: Maintain and test our HRIS system to ensure functionality meets both business requirements and legal standards.
- Care for our People: Support colleagues through pension queries, administer life renewal processes, and work with the Head of HR to handle death in service claims.
What you’ll bring
- Proven Leadership: A strong leader with significant experience in people management and team development.
- Technical Expertise: Extensive experience processing end to end, diverse payrolls, with a high level of proficiency in SAP Business Objects and HRIS software.
- Deep Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of UK payroll legislation (Income Tax, NI, Statutory Leaves, SSP) and DC pension compliance.
- Analytical Prowess: Meticulous attention to detail and strong data analytical skills to manage risks and produce accurate reporting.
- Communication Skills: The ability to manage stakeholders across the business and communicate complex legislative changes clearly.
- Top Tier Qualifications: A CIPP Degree in Payroll Management is highly preferred.
What you get for bringing the energy
We don’t just value your expertise; we value you. When you join the National Express family, you get:
- Free Travel: Enjoy free bus and coach travel across our entire network for you.
- Family Benefits: Complimentary travel for your nominated person or partner.
- Future Security: Access to a solid company pension and life assurance.
- Wellbeing First: Support from our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.
If you are ready to lead a critical function for a major UK brand, it’s time to jump in. We’re building an inclusive workplace and we want you to be part of it!
Things to Note...
At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.
As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.