Sole Payroll Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced payroll professional to own the end‑to‑end payroll, pensions, benefits administration and HR systems within a collaborative HR team in London. You will work on a sole basis, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery while supporting broader HR initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the monthly payroll process from data collection to final submission, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Conduct payroll checks, resolve payroll and pension queries, and act as the primary liaison with providers.
• Administer employee benefits schemes such as cycle‑to‑work and travel loans.
• Support annual pay reviews, salary changes, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Monitor legislative changes and keep payroll processes compliant.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency.
• Lead the maintenance and enhancement of HR and payroll systems, providing user support and driving continuous improvement.
• Produce management information, KPI reports, workforce statistics and audit documentation.
• Analyse HR data (headcount, absence, trends) and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, auditors and external suppliers to deliver high‑quality HR services.

Required profile

• CIPP/National Payroll qualification or extensive payroll experience.
• Proven end‑to‑end payroll experience on a sole basis.
• Strong knowledge of pension, reward and PAYE legislation.
• Experience managing HR and payroll systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Required skills

• CIPP/National Payroll qualification
• Advanced Excel
• MS Office proficiency
• HR and payroll systems expertise
• Reporting and analytics capabilities
• Data management and GDPR compliance