Payroll & hr operations executive

We're Hiring: Payroll & HR Operations Executive (Maternity Cover) Location: Remote Department: HR Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00-17:30 Overall Purpose of the Job: To provide a proactive, high-quality HR operations and payroll service, ensuring efficient, timely and accurate delivery and a positive employee experience. The role is responsible for delivering payroll activities and managing employee queries, as well as leading the administration and application of family leave processes in line with policy and legislation.The role will take ownership of the administration and management of Group Income Protection (GIP), unpaid absence and statutory reporting requirements such as ONS surveys, applying judgement to non-standard scenarios. Working closely with HR Business Partners, the role will support the delivery of employee relations activity and act as a key point of expertise on family leave, absence and related payroll matters, ensuring compliant and consistent application of company policy and employment legislation. Key Accountabilities: PAYROLL Produce post-payroll reports and handle Finance queries. Handle employee payroll queries, escalating complex issues where needed. Support monthly payroll activity and provider reviews to improve accuracy and efficiency. Support PSA submissions, expense reporting and quarterly checks. Manage benefits payroll administration, deductions and provider reconciliations. PEOPLEXD OPERATIONS Maintain accurate PeopleXD records for family leave, absence and payroll changes. Manage third-party provider relationships to ensure effective service delivery. Lead Group Income Protection cases as the main point of contact. Deliver statutory reporting, including ONS surveys, accurately and compliantly. Lead administration of unpaid sickness absence across systems, payroll and policy. Support HR system enhancements, testing and implementation into BAU processes. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS SUPPORT Act as first point of contact for HR inbox queries, providing timely and accurate responses. Support HRBPs with ER casework, documentation, tracking and meetings. Lead family leave processes, ensuring consistent and compliant policy application. Maintain accurate ER case records and documentation. Support fair and consistent application of HR policies and procedures. HR ADMINISTRATION Manage end-to-end administration of family leave processes. Improve HR operations processes across family leave, absence and payroll. Provide cover for payroll and benefits activity when needed. Peer review team outputs to ensure accuracy and quality. Support ad hoc HR projects and initiatives. GENERAL Support HR initiatives including wellbeing, engagement and diversity. Drive improvements in payroll accuracy, family leave and HR operations. Experience Knowledge and Skills Proven experience in HR operations and/or payroll administration within a complex environment. Strong working knowledge of family leave legislation and processes, with the ability to apply this in practice. Experience managing absence processes, GIP cases and payroll-related activities, including handling non-standard scenarios. Working knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to resolve complex queries and make sound decisions. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently, applying judgement and escalating where appropriate. Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Good working knowledge of HR systems (PeopleXD desirable) and MS Office. Why join us? At Kensington Mortgages, we believe our employees are the heart of our success. We are committed to creating a supportive and flexible work environment that values personal growth, professional development and a healthy work life balance. Our inclusive culture respects and celebrates diversity in all its forms, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, valued and understood. We recognise and appreciate differences in thinking, learning styles, gender, race, identity, ethnic origins and sexual expression.