Senior Manager, Payroll & Integration/Specialist Vacancy details General information Entity Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking. Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets. Reference 2026-172526 Position description Domain Performance and Support Job field / Job profile Finance and management - Consolidation Job title Senior Manager, Payroll & Integration/Specialist Employment type Permanent Professional category Supervisory staff Part time / Full time Full-time Job description What does the role look like? You will support the set up of a centralised payroll function for Safran Actuation Systems UK, this role will focus on the implementation of the payroll function, this will be inclusive of understanding the key end to end payroll requirements whilst working with key stakeholders to develop and implement a service for the future. Following implementation, you will manage and develop the payroll team to ensure payroll operations are compliant, timely and efficient for Safran Actuation Systems, working closely with key stakeholders and suppliers. The ideal candidate has strong payroll domain expertise combined with technical integration experience, excellent stakeholder management skills, and a track record of delivering complex system implementations. This role will report directly to the Associate Director, Human Resources, UK, it will drive and embed a UK payroll roadmap outlining key milestones enhancing our employee lifecycle. - Support the Safran Actuation Systems project manager with a successful setup, transition, and implementation of payroll operations for Safran Actuation Systems. - Manage integrations between payroll systems and related platforms (HRIS, time & attendance, benefits, accounting, tax, and third-party providers) - Act as the key point of contact with the payroll supplier, HR, Finance, and IT throughout implementation and subsequent integration stages. - Oversee data mapping, validation, reconciliation, and error resolution processes and provide a solution focused service - Develop and maintain integration documentation, process flows, and technical specifications in line with governance and policy procedures - Coordinate and facilitate regular update meetings as part of business-as-usual activity with relevant business units and payroll supplier, to ensure project milestones and ongoing operational objectives are met. - Lead quarterly QBR (Quarterly Business Review) meetings with payroll supplier, tracking performance, KPIs, and continuous improvement actions. - Maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment and support throughout onboarding phases and business as usual. - Act as a point of escalation on behalf of Actuation UK and the payroll provider to ensure a strong operational relationship. - Ensure compliant, accurate, and timely payroll processing for all entities onboarded onto the centralised platform. - Set up and maintain new earnings, deduction, and employer/employee contribution codes as required - Oversee and ensure accurate and compliant application of NMW (National Minimum Wage) calculations. - Maintain expertise in NI contributions, tax implications, and payroll-related benefit administration, providing guidance across the business. - Ensure robust processes for statutory pay (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.), pension payments, and automatic enrolment across all units. But what else? (benefits, specificities, etc.) - Competitive salary * Car or car allowance - Company performance bonus scheme - Pension scheme - up to 10% employer contribution - Private medical insurance - Comprehensive health cash plan - 25 days annual leave bank holidays - Flexible benefits programme (buy & sell holiday allowance, discounted gym memberships, Maternity/ adoption leave- up to 52 weeks, first 26 weeks at full pay, subsequent 26 at 50% (basic pay) and Paternity/Non-Pregnant Parent/ Co-adopter leave 4 weeks full pay) - Structured training & opportunities to progress Candidate skills & requirements Essential - Proven experience managing payroll at a senior or central level in a complex, multi-entity environment. - Demonstrated successful involvement in payroll system implementation. - Advanced knowledge of UK payroll legislation, statutory payments, NMW compliance, NIC, tax, pension, and benefits administration. - Experience with payroll systems and supplier relationship management Desirable - Excellent analytical, organisational, and leadership capabilities. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills. - Strategic mindset with attention to both detail and the bigger picture. - High standards of integrity and confidentiality. - Adaptable and proactive in managing change, deadlines, and competing priorities. - Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels. - Evidenced experience of managing a diverse team with structured deadlines. - Skilled in project management, systems integration, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement. - Experience with ADP products, specifically iHCM2. - Member of CIPP with level 5 qualification - CIPD qualification and membership Position location Job location Europe, UK, England, West Midlands City (-ies) Stafford Road WV10 7EH Wolverhampton