Product Manager

Job Description Product ManagerIndustry: Payroll SoftwareLocation: Cheadle Hulme (office-based, 5 days per week)Salary: 50,000 to 60,000 depending on experienceOur client is a payroll-focused software business entering an exciting new phase of growth. Having established themselves as a leader within the umbrella payroll space, they are now formally expanding into the wider payroll market with a new product that launched last year and is already live with paying customers.The product has moved beyond proof of concept and is being used to run payroll for thousands of employees across around 100 businesses. With ambitious plans to scale this platform significantly, they are now looking for a Product Manager to take ownership of its next stage of growth.This is a hands-on, office-based role in Cheadle Hulme, working closely with senior stakeholders, customers and a distributed engineering function to shape a genuinely modern payroll product.The roleThis position will suit a mid to senior level Product Manager who is ready to step up, take ownership and have real influence over product direction. You will work closely with the Product Director and senior leadership, playing a key role in defining strategy while remaining hands-on with delivery.You will be embedded within a small, close-knit UK team, while also working day-to-day with a larger engineering team based in India. This is not an outsourced setup, but an integrated subsidiary that works UK hours and collaborates closely with the product function.What you will be doingOwning and shaping the product roadmap as the platform scales through its growth phaseWorking closely with software engineers, designers and QA to deliver high-quality featuresCollaborating with Sales, Marketing and Executive teams to define value propositions and target marketsSpeaking directly with existing and prospective customers to understand payroll challenges and identify opportunitiesTranslating business and user needs into clear user stories, acceptance criteria and prioritised backlog itemsEnsuring the product remains compliant with relevant UK payroll legislationChallenging assumptions and contributing to product strategy, not just executing against itPlanning and executing work within sprint cycles, supporting teams through delivery and removing blockersReviewing completed work against agreed criteria and signing off featuresFeature and backlog managementMaintaining a clearly prioritised backlog aligned to product vision and commercial goalsContinuously refining priorities based on customer feedback, market trends and business directionProviding well-defined requirements to support efficient and accurate deliveryWhat they are looking forSolid experience working in a product role within a software businessIdeally someone who has held a couple of product roles and is ready to take on more ownershipComfortable working in a regulated environment, with payroll experience a strong advantage but not essentialConfident communicator, able to engage with users, engineers and senior stakeholdersStrong attention to detail, particularly around user stories, UAT and sprint deliveryExperience working with cross-functional and distributed teams across time zonesSelf-starter mindset, comfortable operating with minimal handholdingOrganised, adaptable and comfortable in a fast-paced, growing businessStrong mathematical skillsLocation and working patternBased in Cheadle HulmeFully office-based, five days per weekFlexible working hours, with start times between 810am and finish times between 46pmSalary and benefits50,000 to 60,000 salary depending on experienceMedi-cash scheme, allowing claims back for dental and other healthcare costs25 days holiday plus your birthday offAnnual company trip, with previous destinations including Barcelona, Amsterdam and UK-based locationsQuarterly social events and regular team get-togethers around ManchesterRelaxed, social office environment with pool table, darts and Friday drinksOn-site gym within the buildingPerformance-related bonus potential tied to stretch targetsCulture and environmentThis is a collaborative, office-led culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and shared ownership. The business values input and challenge, and is looking for someone who will bring ideas, question direction where appropriate and genuinely care about building a great product.If you are a Product Manager looking to take real ownership of a growing payroll platform and want to be part of a close-knit, ambitious team, this is a strong opportunity to make a meaningful impact.At Inara Talent, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to shine. We connect great people from all backgrounds with opportunities where they can thrive, making sure hiring is fair, inclusive, and truly diverse. No matter your race, gender, age, ability, or backgroundwe focus on what really matters: your talent.

Created: 2026-03-12