Payroll Manager – Hybrid, £50k-£60k

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and modernise a busy payroll function for a large, high‑profile organisation. Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will own end‑to‑end payroll for over 1,000 employees across multiple payrolls, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.

Key responsibilities

• Manage multiple monthly payrolls, guaranteeing accurate and on‑time processing.
• Review payroll outputs, reconciliations and controls before sign‑off.
• Oversee payroll accounting, month‑end reporting and reconciliations.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC, pensions and employment taxes.
• Lead payroll audits and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Drive process improvements, automation and system enhancements.
• Implement mandatory payrolling of benefits ahead of legislative changes.
• Provide expert payroll advice to Finance, HR and senior stakeholders.
• Develop, coach and support the payroll team while maintaining strong financial controls.

Required profile

• CIPP qualification (or equivalent) or similar professional credential.
• Significant experience managing payroll in a large or complex organisation.
• Deep knowledge of UK payroll legislation, employment taxes and HMRC compliance.
• Proven track record of leading payroll process improvements and system implementations.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, controls and audit support.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication abilities.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel
• Workday payroll system
• Access Payroll or similar payroll software

What we offer

• Salary range £50,000‑£60,000 per year
• Excellent employee benefits package
• Generous holiday allowance
• Pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing programmes