Payroll Manager
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
📍 Basingstoke (Hybrid - 2 days in office)
💷 £55,000 – £65,000
🕒 Permanent – Full Time
Are you an experienced Payroll Manager with strong end-to-end UK payroll knowledge, Workday experience, and the confidence to lead a team through system stabilisation and process improvement?
Do you enjoy working in a hands-on role where you can take ownership of payroll operations while supporting a business through an important period of system go-live and organisational growth?
We are working with a well-established organisation to recruit a Payroll Manager to take ownership of the in-house UK payroll function during a key phase following the recent implementation of Workday Payroll, which is going live this year.
The successful candidate will act as the payroll systems owner for Workday while leading the day-to-day payroll operation.
This is a visible and important role where you will oversee the full payroll cycle, manage a small team, and play a key part in embedding the new payroll system while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the function.
Your Core Responsibilities 🏆📊
End-to-End Payroll Ownership
Managing the full in-house UK payroll for circa 3,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
Team Leadership
Leading and developing a team of 4 payroll coordinators, providing coaching, direction, and oversight across all payroll activity.
Workday System Ownership
Acting as payroll lead for Workday, supporting go-live, resolving issues post-implementation, and ensuring the system is used effectively across the payroll function.
Process Improvement & Controls
Reviewing payroll procedures, identifying improvements, and ensuring strong governance, audit readiness, and compliance with HMRC and pension requirements.
Stakeholder Management
Working closely with HR, Reward, Finance, and senior stakeholders to resolve queries, support change, and provide expert payroll guidance.
Compliance & Technical Expertise
Ensuring payroll is delivered in line with UK legislation, tax, pensions, and regulatory requirements, including complex pay elements and pension schemes.
What We’re Looking For 💼
* Proven experience in a Payroll Manager / Payroll Lead role
* Strong end-to-end UK payroll experience in a medium-to-large organisation
* Experience managing or mentoring payroll staff
* Workday payroll experience strongly preferred
* Knowledge of complex payroll elements (overtime, shift, standby, pensions etc.)
* Experience working with stakeholders across HR / Finance / Reward
* CIPP qualification (desirable but not essential)
* Confident working in a changing environment, particularly around system implementation
* Able to work independently and take ownership of the payroll function
* Compliance & Governance - Ensuring payroll is delivered in line with HMRC requirements, legislation tax and internal audit standards.
Why Join?
* Key role during Workday go-live and system stabilisation
* Opportunity to own and lead the payroll function
* Supportive, collaborative culture and trusting manager
* Growing organisation with future projects, integrations, and system work expected
* Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the office (Basingstoke)
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Payroll Manager who enjoys ownership, systems, and leadership, and wants to play a key role in how payroll is delivered going forward.
Apply now.