People & Payroll Manager

With a mission to enrich the cultural life of our region, Birmingham Hippodrome is one of the most popular theatre complexes in the UK. Varied productions in our 1,850-seat auditorium (dating from 1899), and in our 200-seat Patrick Studio ensure we play a key role in the region’s world-class cultural scene. With c.400 live performances annually in our main house, we present nothing but the best in touring musical theatre, ballet, dance, opera, pantomime, drama, and comedy. Our Patrick Studio welcomes a range of smaller-scale productions and is an important base for dance and for the development of new artistic work.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Job Title: People & Payroll Manager

Department: People, Culture & Talent

Job Title of Line Manager: Head of People, Culture & Talent

Direct Reports (if any): Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Contract: Fixed Term, 6 Month Contract. Ideally July - December 2026

Hours: 30-37.5 hours per week

Location: Hybrid, minimum of 3 days onsite

Our People & Payroll Manager will play a key role in supporting the smooth running of the People, Culture & Talent department at Birmingham Hippodrome during a period of transition whilst we appoint our next Director of People & Culture.

This role will lead on the effective delivery of payroll and benefits administration for all employees and flexible workers, working closely with and line managing the Payroll & Benefits Specialist to ensure an accurate, efficient and people-focused service. Alongside payroll responsibilities, the postholder will provide expert support across employee relations, employment law developments and the review and improvement of key people policies, procedures and practices.

Working as part of the wider People, Culture & Talent team, the People & Payroll Manager will contribute to the delivery of our People Strategy, helping to ensure Birmingham Hippodrome continues to be a positive, inclusive and high-performing place to work for everyone.

ABOUT YOU

Relevant Experience

• Significant experience working in a People/HR role with responsibility people operations.
• Experience managing or overseeing end-to-end payroll processes, ideally including hourly paid workers.
• Experience managing employee relations cases across a range of issues including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes.
• Experience interpreting and applying employment legislation and translating this into practical workplace actions.
• Experience reviewing, updating and implementing people policies, procedures and guidance.
• Experience building positive working relationships across stakeholders

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to interpret legislation, assess risk and make sound recommendations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences.
• Ability to coach and influence managers with confidence and credibility.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• IT skills including HR systems, payroll systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst also operating independently and taking ownership of priorities.

Relevant Qualifications

• Minimum CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• A payroll qualification (desirable).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in employment law, payroll or people practice (desirable).

For further information and to view the Candidate Pack for this role please click here - https://canva.link/i6c825ndy70e0e6

Recognising under-representation in our workforce of the global majority, and people with disabilities, we particularly welcome applicants from those backgrounds.

To submit your application please complete your application form. Please note that we may be shortlisting and screening for the role on a rolling basis prior to the close of the job advert.