Job overview

We’re looking for a skilled and motivated Deputy Head of Payroll Services to join Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and play a pivotal role in delivering a sustainable, efficient, and customer-focused Pay Services function. This role contributes to the wider Employee Value Proposition (EVP), helping to attract and retain employees and position Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) as the ‘Employer of Choice’ in Greater Manchester

This is an exciting opportunity for an expert in Payroll, Pensions and Expenses to make a meaningful impact across a large and complex organisation. You’ll ensure our Pay Services are compliant, accurate, and customer-focused while acting as a trusted deputy to the Head of Payroll Services.

If you thrive in a leadership role, have a keen eye for detail, and want to contribute to the success of one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As Deputy Head of Pay Services, you will:

• Support the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of MFT’s Pay Services strategy.
• Lead and develop a team, including direct line management of the Payroll Operations Manager and Quality Assurance & Improvement Lead.
• Ensure accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll, pensions, and expenses.
• Provide expert advice on statutory pay matters, including Income Tax, NI, Sick Pay, and Maternity Pay.
• Act as deputy for the Head of Payroll Services, attending Trust-wide meetings and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Develop and monitor service governance, KPIs, and SLAs, ensuring accountability and improvement.
• Drive innovation through systems, automation, and process optimisation.
• Maintain strong stakeholder relationships with staff, unions, external partners, and statutory bodies.
• Support team development through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with legal frameworks, governance requirements, and Trust policies.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• An experienced payroll and pensions professional with expert knowledge of legislation and best practice.
• A confident communicator with the ability to advise, influence, and engage senior stakeholders.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services.
• Proactive, solution-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

Working for our organisation

At Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT), we pride ourselves on a values-driven culture and a commitment to exceptional care for Greater Manchester. Within Pay Services, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative team that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous learning, with modern systems to deliver the best service for staff and patients.

We invest in professional growth through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead impactful projects. As part of one of the UK’s largest NHS Trusts, you’ll enjoy flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, wellbeing initiatives, and clear career progression.

MFT operates 10 hospitals and community services, serving 1 million patients annually, with a workforce of 30,000. We champion collaboration, digital innovation—including our Hive Electronic Patient Record system—and transformation to improve clinical quality, patient experience, and operational efficiency.

As a leading academic, research, and education center, we support high-quality research and innovation, while our Green Plan reflects a commitment to sustainable healthcare. At MFT, we foster inclusion, wellbeing, and transparent career development, empowering staff to shape the future of our organisation.