CMA Recruitment Group is delighted to be working exclusively with a world-leading luxury manufacturing business to recruit a Payroll Specialist based at their Southampton, Hampshire head office. This is a stand-alone payroll role, responsible for delivering a comprehensive, accurate, and compliant payroll service for over 500 UK employees. With exciting projects ahead, the Payroll Specialist will also lead process improvements, automation, and self-service initiatives to make the payroll cycle more efficient and user-friendly.
What will the Payroll Manager role involve?
End-to-end monthly payroll processing for both salaried and hourly employees, including starters, leavers, overtime and changes.
Manage weekly timesheet imports and calculate variable pay elements.
Produce payroll reports for internal and external use, including HMRC submissions, headcount analysis, month-end journals and statutory reporting.
Administer pensions (auto-enrolment), salary sacrifice schemes, private medical cover, and statutory payments.
Process P60s, P11Ds, tax codes, student loans, and court orders in line with legislation.
Lead payroll-related process improvement projects, focusing on automation, digitalisation and employee self-service.
Support HR and Finance on compensation, benefits, and audit requirements.
Ensure compliance with all payroll, employment, and data protection legislation.
Suitable candidate for the Payroll Manager vacancy:
Extensive UK payroll experience for large employee groups (500+ employees), including hourly-paid staff with overtime and varied pay rates.
Proven experience in a stand-alone payroll role with full ownership of the payroll cycle.
Strong working knowledge of payroll systems (Sage 50 Payroll desirable) and advanced Excel skills (pivots, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
Experience in process improvement and implementing payroll automation/self-service.
Confident communicator able to explain payroll information to employees and stakeholders at all levels.
Highly accurate, deadline-driven, and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Payroll or finance qualifications advantageous but not essential.
Additional benefits and information for the role of Payroll Manager:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Hybrid, (3 office and 2 home ) Full-time role based in Southampton, with occasional travel to UK sites (twice per year).
Opportunity to join a prestigious, global brand known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and collaborative culture.
A values-driven business with a supportive, family-oriented environment.
The Payroll Specialist role is a key hire, offering the opportunity to modernise payroll operations and make a measurable impact.
If you’re an experienced Payroll Specialist looking for a role where you can take full ownership, drive improvements, and work within a world-class organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
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