Senior Payroll Officer

Senior Payroll Officer
North-West based
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum – dependent on skills and qualifications 
Hours: 40 hours per week
Working pattern: Remote / Hybrid
Contract: Permanent

The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Supervisor to take ownership of the end‑to‑end monthly payroll for a growing UK workforce of around 600 employees across multiple sites, with headcount expected to increase to circa 1,000 employees over time.
This is a hands‑on role with full responsibility for payroll accuracy, compliance, and delivery. You’ll work closely with HR and Finance and act as the main point of contact for payroll across the business. As Vella continues to grow, the role offers the opportunity to help shape payroll processes and develop alongside the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Full ownership of monthly payroll processing, including starters, leavers, pay changes, bonuses, deductions, and adjustments
Liaising with HR to validate payroll inputs such as absences, maternity/paternity, and contractual changes
Ensuring accurate PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory payment calculations
Managing workplace pensions, including auto‑enrolment, opt‑ins/outs, contribution uploads, and reconciliations
Administering salary sacrifice schemes and payroll‑related benefits
Preparing and submitting HMRC RTI filings (FPS/EPS)
Managing year‑end payroll processes, including P60s and P11Ds
Administering all Deduction of Earnings Orders (DEOs) in line with legal requirements
Reconciling payroll outputsand preparing payroll journals or working closely with Finance
Acting as the first point of contact for payroll queries across the business
Identifying and implementing payroll process improvements as the organisation grows

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience delivering end‑to‑end UK payroll in a standalone or lead role
Experience processing payroll for large employee populations (ideally 400+ employees)
Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and statutory payments
Experience managing pensions, auto‑enrolment, and salary sacrifice schemes
Confident handling DEOs and complex payroll deductions
High attention to detail with the ability to work accurately to deadlines
Strong communication skills and confidence dealing with payroll queries

Desirable

Experience supporting payroll in a multi‑site or growing organisation
Payroll system implementation, upgrade, or improvement experience
CIPP qualification or working towards one

Why Join Vella?

Join a growing organisation where payroll is a valued, business‑critical function
Take ownership of a large, complex, multi‑site payroll
Opportunity to improve and shape payroll processes as the business evolves
Remote / hybrid working with a stable 40‑hour week
A role with natural development over time, aligned to business growth

What You’ll Get in Return
We believe in taking care of our people. When you join The Vella Group, you’ll enjoy:

33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
Pension scheme & death in service insurance
Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
Access to Perkbox – discounts on retail, travel, and more
MediCash – free healthcare support
Internal and external training to develop your skills
Childcare support – vouchers or workplace nursery benefit
Free parking and provided uniform
 
Location:
North-West based (remote/hybrid)

REF-(Apply online only)