We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to lead and enhance our payroll operations for a workforce of over 2,000 employees. This role combines hands‑on payroll expertise, team leadership, and driving continuous process improvement across our payroll function.
The ideal candidate will have strong end-to-end payroll knowledge, advanced SAP payroll experience, and a proven track record of optimising systems, processes, and controls.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a proactive leader who can manage day‑to‑day delivery while shaping the future state of payroll within a dynamic and growing organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Operations
* Oversee the accurate and timely processing of monthly payroll for 2,000+ employees.
* Ensure all payroll activities comply with HMRC regulations, statutory requirements, and internal audit standards.
* Manage payroll reconciliations, reporting, and year‑end processes (P60, P11D, etc.).
* Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries.
* Lead, mentor, and develop a small payroll team, providing coaching and support.
* Allocate workload, set priorities, and ensure delivery deadlines are met.
* Foster a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.
SAP & Process Improvement
* Serve as the payroll SME for SAP Payroll, driving best practice configuration and utilisation.
* Lead payroll‑related system enhancements, testing, and upgrades in partnership with IT and external vendors.
* Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to increase accuracy, compliance, and automation.
* Build strong process documentation and maintain internal controls.
Stakeholder Management
* Collaborate with HR, Finance, and other business units to streamline data flows and improve payroll accuracy.
* Provide payroll insights, metrics, and reporting to senior leadership.
* Manage third‑party providers and ensure strong service delivery where applicable.
Skills & Experience Required
* Extensive experience in payroll management within a large organisation (1,500+ employees preferred).
* Strong working knowledge of SAP Payroll (required).
* Proven background in leading payroll transformation, automation, or process improvement initiatives.
* Experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
* In‑depth understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
* Excellent analytical skills and high attention to detail.
* Strong communication skills and the ability to influence and engage key stakeholders.
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