Head of Payroll

Who We Are

Join Network Rail! Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team- you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments . We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.

About the role

This role sits within Business Services, Route Services at Network Rail. Business Services is made up of two sub-business units, including Shared Services, which plays a vital role in supporting the wider organisation. Shared Services delivers efficient, high-quality operational support, driving consistency and value through streamlined processes and economies of scale. The team works collaboratively to provide reliable services to both internal stakeholders and external customers, ensuring the business operates effectively.

• Contract type: This is a 12 month Secondment/ FTC - possibility to be extended or become a permanent position

• Location: Manchester Square One

• Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

• Band & Salary: £71,163 - £86,801 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

• Working pattern: Hybrid working: this role permits hybrid working, employees are expected to work from a Network Rail location for 60% of their weekly hours, typically 3 days for full time roles,

• Closing date: 22nd October 2026

• Please note this role may close early in the event of a high number of applications.

Main responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for Network Rail Shared Services (NRSS) payroll Team, whilst complying with best practice, corporate policy and statutory legislation, to meet the requirements of Network Rail business units and regions
• Develop and implement long term strategic relationships with key senior stakeholders to support them to deliver any business objectives impacting payroll through the provision of insight, guidance and support to achieve desired outcomes. Define agree and own performance metrics and service level agreements for Payroll in line with customer requirements and NRSS cost, quality and control considerations.
• Establish performance goals, allocate resource and enforce the maintenance of policies, procedures and processes within NRSS Payroll. Embedding and developing a customer focused culture.
• Lead a cost-efficient Payroll service across service delivery lines. Focus on utilising automation, continuous improvement and standardisation to eliminate waste and create capacity for potential future service growth.
• Deliver both strategic and operational project activity within NRSS Payroll. Support design, delivery and future change through a focus on development of system, process and people.
• Implement and maintain a robust control framework for all NRSS Payroll processes and data held on behalf of Network Rail and its employees. Drive enhancements in Payroll data quality, compliance and management in line with legislation.
• Promote and lead a culture where employees are empowered to challenge the norm, adapt and develop processes, systems and controls to support NRSS Payroll delivery to a changing rail industry.
• Lead, as required, a NRSS Payroll review of technology, process and organisational structure to position NRSS Payroll as provider of choice in a changing rail industry.
• As a member of the leadership team offer direction, whilst defining / designing and delivering local process / system changes to improve the business support operation in Shared Services.

• Own elements of the shared service strategy identifying and implementing best practice to continually drive performance and improve the culture across all shared services teams.

Your experience and skills

Essential

• Significant Payroll delivery at a strategic level with a track record of leading successful large payroll departments with understanding of relevant laws & legislations
• Self-starter, comfortable working in a busy and dynamic environment with competing priorities
• Knows how to prioritize requests effectively and efficiently and work with a sense of urgency
• Proactive, persistent and dependable - Projecting an image of professionalism and enthusiasm
• Specific Payroll qualification
• Working knowledge/appreciation of leading edge payroll technologies
• Ability to work independently, or in groups, as the lead participant

• Strong verbal and written communications skills

Desirable

• Exposure to performance measurement, continuous improvement (Lean / Six-Sigma)
• Experience working with third-party service providers
• Chartered member of institute of payroll professionals
• Excellent time management skills
• Detail-oriented and thorough

• Experience of working within shared services or professional services environment

Please note: The criteria outlined in this advert reflect the specific requirements of this role. The attached job description provides full details of the role's responsibilities, essential and desirable criteria and should be considered alongside this information.

What's in it for you:

Here are a few of the benefits we offer:

• 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days

• Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

• Choice of pension schemes

• 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family

• Private Healthcare (subject to T&Cs)

• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave

• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel

• Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK

• My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount

To find out more explore Working for Network Rail. Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. . Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you. Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:

1. Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'
   For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
2. Changing a physical feature of our workplace
   For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
3. Providing extra equipment or assistance
   For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.

There are lots of other adjustments we can consider, please just ask! If you have any questions or would like to speak the Resourcing Team, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk