Are you an experienced Payroll Leader looking to take ownership of a large, complex, and high-profile payroll operation? This is an exciting opportunity to join a major organisation and lead the delivery of payroll services for over 16,500 colleagues across the UK.
We're looking for a confident, people-focused Payroll Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings deep technical expertise, and is passionate about driving accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
Responsible for the coordination and day-to-day activities of the UK payroll team delivering payroll for approx. 16,500 colleagues across 3 monthly payrolls and 1 weekly payroll.
Manage payroll workloads to meet operational requirements and service levels.
Performance manage, coach, mentor, and develop the payroll team to build capability and drive excellence.
Manage and resolve escalations relating to payroll queries.
Payroll Delivery & Compliance
Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, compliantly, and on time.
Administer employee benefit plans within payroll.
Oversee compliance with all statutory reporting and filing requirements.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year-end payroll reports.
Monitor accurate processing of new starters, leavers, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
Prepare and review payroll account reconciliations.
Ensure payroll information and records are maintained in line with statutory requirements.
Support internal and external audits related to payroll.
Process payroll for Executive, Board, and Director-level employees.
Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
Review, refine, and improve payroll policies, procedures, and controls.
Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of employee data systems.
Interpret and apply current and emergingHMRC and Employment Law legislation, including (but not limited to): NMW/NLW
P11D
Gender Pay
HMRC Job Retention Scheme
Cross-Border Collaboration
Work in partnership with the Non-UK Payroll Manager to ensure accurate payment of secondments and transfers between UK and international payrolls.
About You
You'll be a great fit if you bring:
Proven experience managing large, complex payroll operations.
Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience with SAP or similar large-scale payroll systems (preferred).
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
TPBN1_UKTJ