Business Operations & Development Manager

Department: IPASS

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Ballymount

Description

The Irish Payroll Association (IPASS) is Ireland's premier provider of payroll training and certification. Our Certificate in Payroll Techniques (CPT) course is accredited by QQI as a Higher Education Level 6 award. We also offer an IPASS Professional Diploma in Payroll Management and a Member's Payroll Helpline. We provide 1-day training courses in payroll, RCT, PSWT and VAT, and publish the IPASS Book – The Ultimate Guide to Payroll and Employment Law in Ireland.

The Payroll Centre has been providing expert payroll training and qualifications for more than 25 years, supporting organisations and individuals to consistently produce compliant and accurate payrolls through on-demand expertise and professional development.

Both businesses operate under the Bright Software Group umbrella and together represent a comprehensive payroll education offering across Ireland and the UK. This role provides a unique opportunity to drive growth and operational excellence across two established market leaders in payroll training and professional development.

What Will You Do?

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Business Operations and Development Manager to support and drive growth across IPASS and The Payroll Centre. This pivotal role will work alongside the respective business senior leaders to synchronise and optimise operations, lead change initiatives, implement new systems, and contribute significantly to new business development including strategic partnerships. This is a key leadership role targeting operational excellence and accelerating commercial growth across both businesses.

In this role, you will act as a central point of coordination and transformation across both businesses. You will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives, optimising operational delivery, and identifying new growth opportunities that strengthen our position as market leaders in payroll education.

Key Responsibilities

Cross-Business Coordination: Act as a central point to synchronise activities and initiatives across IPASS and The Payroll Centre, ensuring alignment and efficient collaboration between both businesses.

Change Management & Implementation: Lead transformation efforts including deployment of new systems and processes (such as CRM, LMS, or ERP systems), driving adoption and improving operational efficiency.

Business Development & Partnerships: Identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships and new business opportunities that contribute to the growth and diversification of both businesses.

Operations Excellence: Oversee and optimise daily operations to ensure scalable, compliant, and efficient delivery of training and payroll education services across Ireland and the UK.

Performance Management: Monitor and report on operational KPIs, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and implement initiatives to drive measurable business outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, partners, and key stakeholders across both businesses to ensure alignment and collaborative delivery.

7–12 years in operational leadership, project management, and business development roles, ideally within multi-business or matrix environments
Proven track record managing change and system implementations such as CRM, LMS, or ERP systems
Demonstrated business development experience, including partnership creation, sales enablement, or client relationship management
Strong operational management and leadership skills with experience driving change in multi-site environments
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines
Effective communicator with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all organisational levels
Analytically minded with a focus on KPIs, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement
Adaptable and collaborative, comfortable working in a dynamic and growing organisational setting

Relevant experience in payroll, education/training, or professional services sectors
Familiarity with the regulatory environments in Ireland and the UK
Experience working within or alongside software/technology businesses
Professional qualifications in project management, business analysis, or related disciplines

Business Operations & Development Manager

Job Description