Payroll & HR Operations Manager

Human Factor is seeking, on behalf of our client, a leading retailer, an experienced HR Operations & Payroll Manager to lead the Payroll & HR Operations team.

About the role

Payroll & HR Operations is the heartbeat of every organisation — get it wrong, and trust erodes overnight, get it right, and it becomes invisible magic that keeps thousands of people paid, supported, and confident in their workplace. We're looking for the leader who makes that magic happen.

As HR Operations & Payroll Manager, you won't just process payroll — you'll own it. You'll build and lead a team that runs like clockwork, turn compliance from a checkbox into a competitive edge, and be the go-to voice managers and employees trust when it comes to how they're paid, supported, and cared for. This is a role for someone who thrives on precision but never loses sight of the people behind every payslip — a hands-on leader who's equally comfortable diving into the details of a labor law update and coaching a team through a high-pressure month-end close.

If you love the challenge of turning complex, high-stakes operations into smooth, reliable, people-first processes — and you want a seat where your work is felt by every single employee, every single month — this is your next role.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Service Delivery

• Lead, coach, and develop the Payroll and HR Operations team.

• Coordinate and supervise daily activities, ensuring effective workload allocation and service delivery.

• Monitor team performance, service quality, and operational KPIs.

• Promote continuous improvement and operational efficiency across HR processes.

Payroll & HR Operations

• Oversee the accurate and timely execution of payroll and employee administration processes.

• Ensure effective management of the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, employee changes, and offboarding.

• Maintain HR data accuracy and compliance within HR systems and records.

Compliance & Employee Administration

• Ensure compliance with labor legislation, social security regulations, and company policies.

• Provide guidance to managers and employees on employment-related matters, HR policies, and payroll administration.

• Support internal and external audits and ensure appropriate documentation and controls are maintained.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or a related field.

• 6–8 years of experience in Payroll, HR Operations, or HR Administration.

• Previous experience managing teams.

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, labor legislation, and HR administration.

• Experience with HRIS and payroll systems.

Skills & Competencies

• People Leadership

• Communication Skills

• Payroll & HR Operations Management

• Labor Law & Compliance

• Benefits Administration

• Budget Monitoring

• Analytical Thinking

• Stakeholder Management

• Problem Solving

• Continuous Improvement