Payroll and Benefits Manager (Hybrid) – Hertfordshire

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to join a well‑established and growing organisation. Reporting to the Head of Financial Control, you will lead the payroll function, oversee employee benefits administration, and manage a small team to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations across multiple payrolls.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the UK payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of multiple payrolls.
• Oversee employee benefits administration and maintain compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Ensure payroll operations remain fully compliant with HMRC regulations, including salary‑sacrifice arrangements and P11D reporting.
• Take ownership of the employee expenses platform, ensuring effective administration and compliance.
• Produce payroll data, reports and analysis to support business decision‑making.
• Partner with Finance, HR and operational teams on payroll‑related projects and system enhancements.
• Manage relationships with external payroll, expense and systems providers.
• Support internal and external audit requirements and ensure reporting deadlines are consistently met.
• Develop, mentor and support the payroll team, creating opportunities for learning and career progression.
• Drive continuous process improvements and efficiencies across payroll and benefits operations.

Required profile

• Significant experience managing payroll and benefits within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of current UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll accreditation.
• Proven people‑management experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, complex formulas).
• Experience of payroll and expenses systems management.
• SQL or Microsoft Query knowledge (advantageous).

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Salary up to £60,000 per year plus bonus and benefits.