Join to apply for the Payroll & Benefits Advisor role at AAF International - Power & Industrial Group
Position Summary
We are recruiting a Payroll & Benefits Advisor to join our Human Resources team within the Power & Industrial (P&I) division based in Cramlington, Northumberland. The successful candidate will deliver a high‑quality, end‑to‑end payroll and benefits service for all employees across the AAF UK business, ensuring payroll accuracy, legal compliance, and efficient administration of employee benefits — including Bonus, Commissions, Pensions, Life Assurance, Company Cars, Allowances and Medical Insurance packages. Flexible working arrangements, including working from home on occasion, are offered subject to agreement.
Position Responsibilities
* Oversee and process the company’s monthly payroll cycles, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.
* Manage all statutory payments (PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP, etc.) and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
* Perform detailed payroll reconciliations and variance analysis; investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly.
* Prepare and submit RTI returns, P11Ds and other year‑end reporting obligations.
* Administer and maintain the company’s pension scheme, including auto‑enrolment, contributions and employee communications.
* Administer and maintain the company’s Perks@Work scheme and associated employee communications.
* Administer and maintain the company’s Annual Leave Purchase scheme and associated employee communications.
* Administer and maintain the company’s SPOT Award scheme.
* Administer and maintain the company’s Long Service and Retirement Awards schemes.
* Manage company sick pay, ensuring compliance with policy and integration with attendance systems.
* Coordinate company private health insurance schemes, maintaining up‑to‑date records and ensuring accurate deductions.
* Ensure company car schemes are administered correctly i.e. car fleet management / cash allowances and maintain up‑to‑date records and ensuring accurate deductions.
* Co‑ordinate bonus and commissions schemes.
* Produce annual total rewards statements.
* Act as the system superuser for Civica, supporting configuration changes, testing and reporting improvements.
* Develop and maintain robust payroll and benefits reporting for HR and Finance teams (dashboards).
* Ensure compliance with all payroll, taxation, pension and data protection legislation.
* Track international working arrangements to enable HMRC reporting and accurate taxation.
* Provide expert advice to HR, Finance and Operational managers across the site.
* Develop reward / compensation policies and execute, implement and administer these policies.
* Act as a trusted point of contact for all employees on payroll and benefits queries.
* Support internal projects such as system integrations, salary benchmarking or reward strategy reviews.
Person Specification
Education, Qualifications and Affiliations (Desirable)
* CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management or equivalent professional payroll qualification.
* Completed qualifications from an accredited institution may be substituted for experience on a year‑for‑year basis.
Experience
Essential
* Demonstratable experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
* Experience of working in a similar role within a HR or Finance department.
* Extensive experience in end‑to‑end payroll management preferably within a manufacturing environment.
* In‑depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, pension auto‑enrolment and benefit taxation (e.g. P11Ds).
* Knowledge of accounting terms and concepts.
* Experience of working independently with minimal supervision.
* Comfortable working on a number of projects simultaneously.
* Computer literate and able to use a wide range of software packages.
Desirable
* Knowledge of manufacturing industries.
* Experience working with bonus related pay structures, overtime and site‑specific allowances.
* Knowledge of workforce agreements or collective bargaining arrangements.
* Knowledge of SAP or Civica payroll/HR systems.
* Experience in process automation or digital transformation of payroll functions.
Licences or Certifications
Essential
* Eligible to work in the UK.
Desirable
* Full driving licence.
* Full valid passport.
* Membership of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).
Skills
Essential
* Health, safety and environmentally conscious.
* Flexible approach to working, willingness to accept changing priorities.
* Ability to work to deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
* High level of English communication skills including face to face, telephone and written.
* Good commercial acumen.
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Excellent MS Office / ERP skills.
* Ability to develop and maintain relationships.
* A problem‑solving can‑do attitude.
* Excellent attention to detail and ability to work in an organised manner.
* Continuous improvement mentality and receptive to change.
What’s on Offer
* Flexible working opportunities.
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays per annum.
* Pension scheme – match up to 7%.
* Death in service benefit – lump sum equal to 3 times annual salary.
* Company sick pay scheme.
* Opportunity for international travel.
* Career progression and 24/7 LMS access.
* Perks@Work scheme – online cashback, vouchers and discounts.
* Employee well‑being programme – 24/7 online portal.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Free parking on site.
* Free annual flu jabs.
* Employee recognition schemes.
Applications
* We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged.
* Open to both internal and external applicants.
* All applications must be submitted in English.
* Eligible for the refer a friend scheme.
Accommodations
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We are happy to make adjustments to ensure an inclusive recruitment experience for all applicants.
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