Payroll Manager – Multi‑site Manufacturing

About the role

Robert Half is recruiting a Payroll Manager for a well‑established multi‑site manufacturing business in Wantage. This full‑time, office‑based position leads the end‑to‑end payroll function across several UK sites and reports to the Head of Shared Services.

Key responsibilities

• Lead accurate, timely payroll delivery across multiple sites, working with an outsourced payroll partner.
• Oversee payroll processing including salary changes, bonuses, pensions, statutory payments and year‑end activity.
• Review payroll outputs and reconciliations, maintaining robust controls.
• Manage pension scheme administration and auto‑enrolment compliance.
• Own payroll accounting, including journal entries and balance‑sheet reconciliations.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Lead statutory payroll reporting, including Gender Pay Gap submissions.
• Drive payroll system improvements and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
• Lead, coach and develop a small payroll team.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading in‑house payroll within a medium/large corporate or shared services environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Proven experience leading and coaching a payroll team.
• Solid background in reconciliations, controls and audit processes.
• Experience with integrated HR/payroll systems such as Workday or SAP.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent experience.
• Manufacturing or multi‑site experience is desirable.

Required skills

• Workday
• SAP

What we offer

• Salary range £51,000 – £64,000 per year, dependent on experience.
• Full benefits package reflective of a stable, well‑established employer.