Job Description
Location: Dee House, St. Davids Park, Ewloe
We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Payroll Officer to support the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll at Darwin Escapes. Sitting within the People and Culture (HR) function and reporting to the Head of Payroll, this role will focus on operational payroll processing across both salaried and hourly-paid employees in a multi-site, multi-entity environment.
Contract: Permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Hybrid: 4 days office-based, 1 day remote.
The Payroll Officer will play a key role in maintaining data accuracy, supporting employee lifecycle changes, and providing a high-quality payroll service to employees and managers. This is a hands‑on role that supports payroll operations while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives led by the Head of Payroll.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing
* Support the end‑to‑end processing of monthly payrolls for salaried and hourly‑paid employees across multiple UK sites and legal entities
* Ensure payroll data is accurate, complete and processed in line with agreed deadlines
Starters, Leavers & Changes
* Process employee lifecycle changes including starters, leavers, contractual changes, variable pay, overtime and deductions
* Ensure all changes are appropriately authorised and accurately reflected in payroll systems
Compliance & Accuracy
* Ensure payroll processing complies with HMRC legislation, statutory payments, and internal controls
* Support RTI submissions, pension contributions and auto‑enrolment processes
* Maintain payroll records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements
Systems & Data
* Maintain accurate payroll data within payroll and HR systems such as iTrent, Focus, Sage or similar
* Support data validation, reconciliation and reporting activities
* Assist with testing and implementation activities during payroll system or process changes
Queries & Stakeholder Support
* Act as a first point of contact for payroll queries from employees and managers
* Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner
* Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to ensure aligned and accurate data
Continuous Improvement & System Projects
* Identify payroll, pension, and benefits process issues and propose solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience
* Bring experience and insight in pensions and employee benefits to support improvements and compliance
* Play an active role in the selection, implementation, and integration of a new HRIS/payroll system, collaborating with the Head of Payroll, HR, and Finance
* Support payroll audits, internal reviews, and ensure processes remain compliant and aligned with best practice
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in payroll administration, including processing for both hourly and salaried employees
* Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, and employee benefits administration (essential)
* Hands‑on experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms (iTrent, Focus, Sage or similar) — essential
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of data accurately
* Confident using Microsoft Excel for reporting and reconciliations
* Ability to work to deadlines and handle confidential information with discretion
Desirable
* Experience in a multi‑site or hospitality environment
* CIPP qualification or working towards
* Experience supporting system implementations or process transformation projects
What We’re Looking For
* A dependable and well‑organised payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy
* Someone proactive, collaborative, and keen to get involved in system projects and continuous improvement
* A team player who supports the wider payroll function and delivers a positive employee experience
What’s In It For You
* Competitive rate of pay.
* Enhanced holiday entitlement (with the option to cash in a number of holidays per year).
* Discounted staff breaks at our luxurious holiday resorts across the UK.
* Free use of all Darwin Escapes resort facilities including many of our free gyms and swimming pools.
* Food discount across all resorts.
* Discounts on spa treatments.
* 'Introduce a friend' recruitment bonus.
* Company employee sick pay.
* Compassionate leave pay.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Free access to the Darwin Academy training programme to help further your career and skill levels.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* MediCash cash plan.
* Subject to terms and conditions
Closing Date
Friday 13th February, 2026
Contract Type
Full time
Salary
From £30,000.00 Yearly to £35,000.00 Yearly
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