Payroll Operations Manager - Central Scotland

Did you know that Solvd.’s Payroll team processed over 294,000 payments last year with 99.5% accuracy?

Behind that achievement is a culture of precision, collaboration and leadership – and now there’s an opportunity for you to play a central role in its success.

W&A is delighted to be supporting Solvd. in the search for a Payroll Operations Manager, a key leadership position within their growing payroll function.

About Solvd.

Solvd. is a business process outsourcing specialist based in Glasgow, delivering high-quality Payroll, Finance, HR, and Customer Experience services. Trusted by major transport providers across the UK and expanding into new sectors, including professional sport, Solvd. has built its reputation on reliability, innovation and people-first values: Dependable, Proactive, Agile and Inclusive.

The Opportunity

As Payroll Operations Manager, you will lead and support Payroll Team Leaders to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services across Solvd.’s diverse client base. Working closely with the Head of Payroll, you’ll provide coaching, training, and oversight across the function, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and operational excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll balance team management with technical delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support Payroll Team Leaders to deliver accurate, compliant payrolls on time.
• Provide training, development, and coaching to payroll staff, ensuring best practice.
• Oversee escalated payroll and pension queries, resolving issues effectively.
• Perform control checks and audits on payroll output to ensure compliance.
• Act as a delegate for Payroll Team Leaders during absences.
• Deputise for the Group Payroll Manager in stakeholder or SLT meetings as required.
• Ensure payroll processes, workflows, and manuals are up to date.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external stakeholders to deliver service excellence.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing payroll teams.
• Proven background in payroll data administration and delivery in a complex environment.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll systems, taxation, NI rules, and compliance.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure, balancing deadlines and competing priorities.
• Desirable: CIPP qualification, Oracle, iTrent, Business Objects or One Advanced experience.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• Permanent role, 37.5 hours per week
• Hybrid working model (Glasgow-based, 60% in office)
• 34 days’ holiday (including public holidays), with the option to buy more
• Competitive pension scheme
• Discretionary rail travel benefit
• Employee Assistance Programme

Reasons to Join Solvd.

• Be part of a growing organisation with ambitious expansion plans.
• Join a values-driven team recognised with Investors in People Platinum and Investors in Wellbeing Gold.
• Work at the heart of operations, with the autonomy to shape processes and lead change.
• Benefit from a supportive, people-focused culture with strong career progression pathways.

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura Buchanan Owen at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.