Payroll Manager

To lead the delivery of effective, compliant and customer-focused payroll and HR operational services across the organisation, supporting the accurate and timely processing of two UK payrolls and three European payrolls. The role is responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring compliance with UK and European statutory requirements, and implementing robust, scalable processes to support business growth and organisational change.

The postholder will ensure the efficient management of employee lifecycle administration, including starters, leavers and contractual changes, and will play a key role in leading payroll-related change initiatives such as restructures, system enhancements and process harmonisation. The role will work closely with the Head of HR, Finance and external payroll providers to ensure high-quality service delivery and continuous operational improvement.

JOB CONTENT

Payroll Operations

* Provide leadership and oversight for the accurate and timely processing of all payrolls

* Manage and develop x Payroll Managers to ensure high performance and service delivery standards

* Ensure payroll activities comply with statutory requirements, company policies and audit controls

* Oversee payroll changes arising from restructures, acquisitions, harmonisation activities and system updates

* Act as the escalation point for complex payroll matters

* Maintain effective working relationships with Finance and external payroll providers

HR Operational Service Delivery

* Oversee the administration of employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, changes to employment terms and offboarding

* Ensure accurate maintenance of employee data within HR systems

* Monitor service levels and implement improvements to HR operational processes

* Support the delivery of HR policies, organisational changes and workforce initiatives

Process Improvement and Change Management

* Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR operational efficiency and accuracy

* Implement new procedures, controls and service delivery approaches

* Support HR transformation activity and continuous improvement programmes

* Contribute to the optimisation of HR systems and reporting capability

Stakeholder Engagement

* Work closely with the Head of HR to support functional objectives and organisational priorities

* Provide operational expertise and guidance to managers and internal stakeholders

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth delivery of payroll and HR services

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

* Significant experience managing payroll operations within a complex organisation

* Experience leading and developing managers

* Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements. European experience would be a bonus.

* Demonstrable experience of implementing process improvements and managing change

* Strong organisational, analytical and stakeholder management skills

The role reports to the Head of HR and has direct line management responsibility for Payroll Managers