Payroll Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead a complex payroll function for a large, diverse workforce in Southampton. This role goes beyond routine processing – you will shape the future of payroll, drive automation, and ensure compliance with UK legislation while working closely with Finance, HR and senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high‑performing payroll team, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee multiple payroll runs for a large employee base, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, bonuses, benefits, statutory payments and deductions.
• Review and approve payroll calculations and manage payments to employees, HMRC, pension providers and third parties.
• Maintain payroll reconciliations, accounting activities and robust financial controls.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, employment taxes, pensions and statutory requirements.
• Lead internal and external audit activities, providing documentation and acting as the primary contact.
• Monitor legislative changes, assess impact and implement necessary updates.
• Drive payroll transformation initiatives, including system enhancements, automation and reporting improvements.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing payroll for a large organisation in the UK.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax and pension regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a payroll team.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication with finance, HR and senior business leaders.

Required skills

• Experience with payroll software and related automation tools.
• Advanced Excel or data‑analysis capabilities.
• Understanding of payroll reporting and governance.

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £65,000–£72,000 per year.
• Excellent benefits package.
• Hybrid working model.