Head of Payroll

Head of Payroll

Are you an experienced and detail-driven payroll professional with a heart for people and a commitment to Christian service?

We’re looking for a Head of Payroll to lead our payroll operations and contribute to the smooth running of an organisation that has been providing Christ-centred care for over 200 years. This is an opportunity to combine your professional expertise with a deeper purpose—serving others through excellence, compassion, and faith.

At Pilgrims’ Friend Society, we value integrity, care, and continuous development. As part of our HR team, you’ll take ownership of the payroll function for over 700 staff across our care homes and schemes, ensuring every team member is paid correctly and on time. You’ll lead our payroll operations, oversee pensions and compliance, and supervise the Payroll & HR Assistant.

This is more than just a numbers job—it’s a chance to be part of a mission-driven organisation where your work helps build a supportive, faith-filled environment for both staff and the older people we serve.

Have a watch here of "What it means for us, to work in a Christian Care Home like ours:" https://youtu.be/uCa1_BtS34w

Read about the role here

What you’ll be doing:

• Oversee and manage monthly payroll processes using Sage Payroll
• Ensure compliance with HMRC, pensions, GDPR and Right to Work regulations
• Line-manage and support the Payroll & HR Assistant
• Maintain and update payroll policies and processes
• Lead all year-end activities, including P60s, P11Ds and statutory reporting
• Manage the organisation’s pension schemes, including auto-enrolment and salary sacrifice
• Administer our Group Life Assurance scheme and liaise with financial advisors
• Support payroll-related budgeting and reconciliation activities
• Play a key role in onboarding new homes and services, including TUPE processes

What you’ll bring:

• Significant payroll experience, including managing complex payrolls and compliance
• Familiarity with Sage Payroll or equivalent systems
• Strong understanding of pensions, HMRC reporting and related legislation
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Confidence in leading, training and developing team members
• Commitment to Christian values and a desire to serve with integrity and compassion

*Applicants must be evangelical Christians (This role has an Occupational Requirement to be filled by a Christian under the provisions of the Equality Act (2010)

Read 'What we believe' here: https://www.pilgrimsfriend.org.uk/about-us/what-we-believe

Hours:

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

What we offer:

• Hybrid working
• 5 weeks’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Medicash health plan
• Perkbox (including Employee Assistance Programme)
• Training and professional development
• Team events
• Long-service rewards
• Birthday rewards
• A workplace shaped by faith, care and purpose

We are committed to having a diverse senior management team and we encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are underrepresented on our senior management team at present.