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 click here . 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 .
As the Senior Payroll Operations Manager you will manage the full end to end payrolls for Network Rail and successfully deliver payroll strategic projects and automation projects to agreed timescales, budget, and quality in line with Network Rail standards and change governance.
Our Shared Services team deliver specialist processes that have a direct impact on the performance of Network Rail, our customers and suppliers. These services include payroll, recruitment and onboarding, payables, receivables, financial accounting, reporting, controls and compliance, and helpdesk support.
Contract type: Permanent
Band & Salary : Band 3C: £55,596.00 -£67,813.00 depending on skills and experience
Working pattern : Th is role permits hybrid working, employees are expected to work from Manchester Square One for 60% of their weekly hours, typically 3 days for full time roles, pro-rata for part-time.
Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday 15th Jul y 2026
Main Responsibilities
1. Direct and lead a team of experienced payroll administrators and analysts responsible for periodic processing of all statutory and contractual arrangements in line with payroll regulations and processing deadlines.
2. Provide a professional, consistent, and effective payroll service for management, maintenance and operational employees using Oracle E-business system.
3. Support Head of Payroll to lead and deliver on strategic continuous improvement projects and automation projects within Payroll Shared Services in accordance with Network Rail and Route Services governance processes and standards.
4. Creating, maintaining, and driving credible plans along with pre-emptive and skilled risk management to avoid issues. Drive efficiencies and effectiveness, taking appropriate action to resolve issues and escalate as appropriate.
5. Deliver smooth implementation of key periodic and annual payroll activity, (including annual pay awards & PRP processes) and reconciliation as per the Network Rail Shared Services calendar including tax and NIC reporting, finance reporting, third party deductions and payments.
6. Operate within the pre-agreed control framework; embed a control mind set amongst all stakeholders to reduce risk and control costs. Being the lead point of contact for internal and external audit continually reviewing the framework for adherence,
7. Develop and continually improve relations with key stakeholders including group taxation, financial accounting, Network Rail Shared Service teams and Technical Operations to define and embed a customer centric culture where all team members consider the impact on customers and their future requirements.
8. Maintain and manage customer escalations in respect of payroll related data within the agreed Service Level Agreements (SLA's) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
What are we looking for?
- Extensive experience in payroll
- Experience of wider payroll processes (HMRC reporting Tax & NIC etc)
- Payroll Management Qualification (degree level or similar i.e. CIPP)
- Knowledge and experience as a Project Manager within a similar payroll operation
- Significant experience of managing large teams in a complex regulatory environment manging multi contract variations
- Exceptional customer focus/engagement/stakeholder management skills
- Proven influencing, networking and stakeholder management skills at senior management level.
- Experience of delivery of process management and control governance
- Experience of delivering continuous improvement programmes
- Excellent communication skills
What could set you apart when applying?
- ORACLE eBusiness Suite experience or similar
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:
- 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.
- Changing a physical feature of our workplace
For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
- 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 [email protected]
