Payroll Manager

Job Description

Payroll Manager (Hybrid, 2 days in Leeds)

Are you an experienced Payroll Leader looking to take ownership of a large, complex, and high‑profile payroll operation? This is an exciting opportunity to join a major organisation and lead the delivery of payroll services for over 16,500 colleagues across the UK.
We’re looking for a confident, people‑focused Payroll Manager who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, brings deep technical expertise, and is passionate about driving accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management

• Responsible for the coordination and day‑to‑day activities of the UK payroll team delivering payroll for approx. 16,500 colleagues across 3 monthly payrolls and 1 weekly payroll.
• Manage payroll workloads to meet operational requirements and service levels.
• Performance manage, coach, mentor, and develop the payroll team to build capability and drive excellence.
• Manage and resolve escalations relating to payroll queries.

Payroll Delivery & Compliance

• Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, compliantly, and on time.
• Administer employee benefit plans within payroll.
• Oversee compliance with all statutory reporting and filing requirements.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year‑end payroll reports.
• Monitor accurate processing of new starters, leavers, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
• Prepare and review payroll account reconciliations.
• Ensure payroll information and records are maintained in line with statutory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll.
• Process payroll for Executive, Board, and Director‑level employees.

Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Review, refine, and improve payroll policies, procedures, and controls.
• Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of employee data systems.
• Interpret and apply current and emerging HMRC and Employment Law legislation, including (but not limited to):
  • NMW/NLW
  • P11D
  • Gender Pay
  • HMRC Job Retention Scheme

Cross‑Border Collaboration

• Work in partnership with the Non‑UK Payroll Manager to ensure accurate payment of secondments and transfers between UK and international payrolls.

About You
You’ll be a great fit if you bring:

• Proven experience managing large, complex payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with SAP or similar large‑scale payroll systems (preferred).

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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