People System Manager

People System Manager  
Hybrid – Solihull, B91 3QJ
Full Time, Permanent   
Band 3 / Competitive Salary

Here at Serco, we’re looking for an experienced and people-focused People System Manager to lead our HRIS and Payroll Solutions teams and play a key role in the transformation of our HR and payroll technology landscape.

This is a pivotal time to join us. We’re upgrading our systems landscape and embarking on an exciting programme of transformation, including the roadmap towards SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central. As our People System Manager, you’ll have a significant opportunity to shape how our systems develop, support major projects and help us build a more modern, efficient and future-ready employee experience.

You’ll bring strong, hands-on SAP HCM experience alongside proven leadership capability. This isn't a role where you'll simply oversee the work from a distance – we’re looking for a strong leader who is comfortable getting into the detail, challenging existing ways of working and driving things forward.

Reporting to the Payroll Director, you’ll work closely with Payroll, Pensions, Finance, IT, ERP and third-party partners to ensure our HR and payroll systems are reliable, integrated and fit for the future.

As part of this you’ll:

• Lead and develop the HRIS and Payroll Solutions teams, setting direction, managing performance and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Own the functional operation of our HR systems, with SAP HCM at the heart of the role.
• Play a leading role in our systems transformation agenda, including system upgrades, enhancements and the roadmap towards Employee Central.
• Lead and support major HRIS and payroll projects, taking ownership from requirements through to testing, implementation and continuous improvement.
• Manage system releases, upgrades, UAT, regression testing and parallel runs, ensuring changes are delivered accurately and effectively.
• Oversee integrations between SAP HCM, payroll, Finance and wider ERP systems, ensuring data remains accurate and aligned.
• Act as a senior escalation point for HRIS and payroll issues, taking ownership and driving problems through to resolution.
• Work closely with technical teams to translate business needs into clear functional requirements.
• Challenge existing processes and ways of working, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, automation and the employee experience.
• Manage relationships with technology partners and suppliers, ensuring strong service delivery and value for money.
• Support the ongoing development of our technology roadmap, including our journey towards greater use of AI and emerging technology within HR and People processes.

What you’ll need to do the role:

• Strong, hands-on functional experience of SAP HCM is essential.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams is essential – we’re looking for a confident, strong leader who is comfortable setting direction and constructively challenging others.
• Significant experience working with HRIS and payroll systems within a complex organisation.
• Experience of working with a payroll system is essential; ResourceLink experience would be beneficial, but experience with another enterprise payroll system will be considered.
• A strong track record of delivering HRIS, payroll or wider technology projects and transformation programmes.
• Experience of system upgrades, implementations, integrations, UAT and testing.
• Experience translating business requirements into functional solutions and working effectively with technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge at all levels.
• A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to take ownership of complex issues and see them through to resolution.
• Experience of SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central would be advantageous.
• An interest in emerging technology and AI, and how it can support the future of People and HR services.

Why Serco:

Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work will play an important role in shaping how we support our people through modern, effective HR and payroll technology. You’ll gain a world of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across 5 vital sectors. Personal growth, achievement and development won’t be hard to find. You'll also work with great people. You’ll find yourself in a highly motivated, supportive environment where no two days are the same, with experienced colleagues who strive for excellence.

What we offer:

• Company car
• Private healthcare
• Bonus scheme of 5% on target
• Flexible working considered
• Pension – 6%
• Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
• Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
• A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
• A safe and supportive culture.

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A little bit about us:
At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we’re united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:
We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our ‘Ban the Box’ pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

For support with your application, please contact recruitmentuk@serco.com.

Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.