Payroll & People Operations Manager

Here at HPX Group, payroll isn’t just about accuracy (though that’s non-negotiable). It’s about trust, judgment and keeping pace with a business that’s growing quickly and evolving constantly.

We’re looking for a Payroll & Operations Manager to take ownership of our in-house payroll function across the Group, while also playing a key role in broader People operations. This is a role for someone who knows payroll inside out, but also understands how payroll, systems, processes and projects fit into the bigger picture of a modern, people-centred professional services business.

You’ll work closely with our People and Finance teams, own the day-to-day operation of our in-house payroll function, manage key external relationships and play an important role in delivering HR projects and initiatives across the Group.

Who are we?

HPX Group is a rapidly growing professional services business, specialising in solving complex client problems and building long-term relationships that create real value.

We’ve built a high-growth, people-centric business that prioritises exceptional people experience (PX), because we believe that’s what ultimately delivers the best client experience (CX). Our culture is ambitious, collaborative and grounded – we move quickly, but we care deeply about how we do things.

The role

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you’ll have overall responsibility for payroll across the Group, ensuring our in-house payroll function operates accurately, efficiently and compliantly.

You’ll also play a key role in leading our People operations, with responsibility for the day-to-day processes that underpin the employee lifecycle and ensure our People function runs smoothly. You’ll manage our People and Payroll Specialist, providing oversight and support across onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, payroll administration and other core People processes.

Alongside this, you’ll support the delivery of broader People projects and help us continually improve our systems, processes and ways of working as the business continues to grow.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both owning the detail and improving the bigger picture. You’ll be trusted to make sound calls, identify opportunities for improvement and bring a calm, considered approach to a function where accuracy matters, people matter and deadlines don’t move.

What this role really involves

Payroll

• Own the end-to-end payroll function across the Group, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with Australian payroll legislation, tax, superannuation, awards and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Manage payroll processes, controls, reconciliations and reporting, ensuring appropriate checks are in place.
• Partner closely with People and Finance to ensure payroll accurately reflects employee movements, remuneration changes, leave and other relevant data.
• Manage payroll queries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
• Maintain the confidentiality, integrity and security of payroll and employee data.
• Prepare and submit WGEA reporting and other relevant payroll and workforce reporting.
• Stay across legislative and regulatory changes and ensure payroll processes are updated accordingly.
• Identify and implement improvements to payroll processes, systems and controls.
• Maintain and optimise payroll systems, including Pay Metrics, and ensure data integrity across relevant People systems.

People Operations

• Manage and develop the People and Payroll Specialist, providing clear priorities, coaching, support and oversight of their work.
• Oversee the delivery of core employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, offboarding, employee changes, contract and remuneration changes and associated People administration.
• Ensure People processes are delivered accurately, consistently and on time, with appropriate controls and checks in place.
• Maintain high standards of employee data integrity across People, payroll and related systems.
• Ensure employee records and documentation are accurate, complete and maintained in accordance with relevant legal, regulatory and privacy requirements.
• Act as an escalation point for more complex People Operations and payroll matters, using sound judgement to resolve issues and determine when broader support is required.
• Develop and maintain clear processes, templates, documentation and operating procedures across People Operations.
• Continually review the employee experience of our operational processes, identifying opportunities to make them simpler, more efficient and easier for our people and leaders to navigate.
• Partner with the broader People team to ensure operational processes support the effective delivery of People initiatives across the Group. 

Systems, Process and Improvement

• Lead and support People projects (i.e. HRIS) from planning through to implementation, partnering with the CPO and broader People team to deliver business priorities.
• Take ownership of selected People Operations and systems projects, ensuring clear plans, accountabilities, timelines and follow-through.
• Identify and implement improvements to People systems, processes and ways of working to drive efficiency, strengthen controls and enhance the employee experience.
• Support the implementation, optimisation and ongoing management of People technology and systems.
• Look for opportunities to automate or simplify manual processes and reduce unnecessary administration across the People function.
• Ensure processes are scalable and fit for purpose as the Group continues to grow and evolve. 

Who will thrive here

This role will suit you if you:

• Have strong experience managing end-to-end payroll in-house, with a thorough understanding of Australian payroll legislation and requirements.
• Have experience working across payroll, HR operations or a broader People function.
• Enjoy taking ownership of projects and turning ideas into practical, well-executed outcomes.
• Are commercially minded and comfortable managing budgets, costs and external providers.
• Bring strong attention to detail and take pride in getting things right.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with people at all levels.
• Are highly organised and able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Are naturally curious and enjoy finding better, simpler and more efficient ways of doing things.
• Have strong systems capability, including experience with payroll systems such as Pay Metrics and People data, reporting and analysis.
• Are comfortable working autonomously while knowing when to bring others in.
• Have a proactive, solutions-focused approach and enjoy working in a business that is constantly evolving. 

What’s in it for you

• A trusted, visible role in a growing national business, with the opportunity to shape how payroll and People operations evolve.
• Exposure to a broad range of HR, payroll and business projects.
• Supportive leadership and access to meaningful professional development.
• A collaborative, high-performing team with regular social events, training days and retreats.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive remuneration, including equity under the Group’s ESS.
• An extra week’s leave as part of our employee personal development program.
• Full-day birthday leave. 

Diversity & Inclusion

At HPX Group, our culture is made up of people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We celebrate differences across gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, cultural background, and family and caring responsibilities.

We’re committed to providing a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you need any adjustments or support to complete your application, please contact talent@hpxgroup.com.au.

Agency submissions

HPX Group does not accept agency submissions unless an agency is specifically contacted by a member of the Recruitment Team. Please do not forward candidate profiles or resumes to partners, hiring managers or other employees – this will not constitute an introduction to the firm and HPX Group will not be liable for a fee.