Payroll Manager in London

AVK is a leading player in the data centre sector, committed to driving innovation and sustainability in critical and prime power installations. We are on a mission to transform the industry, aligning our strategies with a sustainable future.

The Payroll Manager role is a hands‑on role delivering payroll across a growing European footprint. AVK has recently implemented a new payroll system (ADP) and now operates five European payrolls within a fast‑moving, multi‑entity business.

Working with the People Operations Manager, you’ll lead on the end‑to‑end payroll operation to ensure payroll runs smoothly and is processed accurately, while embedding new ways of working, stabilising systems and shaping our operation to be resilient and ready to scale.

As part of this and as the organisation continues to grow and operate internationally, you’ll manage shadow payrolls and lead on payroll readiness for new operational sites, ensuring systems, data and processes are set up correctly from day one. You will also support the administration of employee benefits ensuring timely registration and de‑registration of employees through established processes.

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll across the UK and all European payrolls, carrying out pre‑ and post‑payroll checks, reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Own payroll calendars, cut‑offs and inputs to ensure smooth month‑end delivery.
• Work closely with external providers, support the bedding‑in, optimisation and account management of ADP, including internal audits, validation and issue resolution.
• Manage pensions schemes, including change processes, reporting, re‑enrolment and compliance duties.
• Act as a trusted partner for payroll queries from colleagues, managers and People Partners, managing our Payroll inbox and consistently responding to all email within 24 hours.
• Work closely with Finance on reconciliations, reporting and cost accuracy.
• Build strong partnerships with payroll providers, leading retros and addressing or escalating issues as needed.
• Ensure payroll processing complies with local statutory, tax and reporting requirements across jurisdictions.
• Support internal and external audits, maintaining clear documentation and controls.
• Lead on change projects ensuring a smooth transition (payrolled benefits in 2027 is one example you’ll drive at AVK).
• Support payroll setup and readiness for new sites and entities, including data mapping, processes and provider coordination.
• Help shape payroll processes that can scale as our European operations expand.
• Work closely with People and Finance on payroll implications of growth, change and new locations.

• Experience of running payroll for 300+ employees (with the complexities of variable pay, benefits administration and shadow payroll).
• Experience of managing European payrolls is a must for this role – with the trajectory we’re on, that knowledge and experience is essential to maturing and scaling our payroll operations.
• You work well with ambiguity and adapt quickly to changing priorities and ways of working.
• You bring a calm, pragmatic approach to problem‑solving whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Your Excel skills make reporting and payroll checks easy, quick and accurate.
• You work closely with the wider People team, Finance and external payroll providers, you get that payroll is a team sport and calls for nurturing strong working relationships, clear communication, and effective collaboration.
• Your service mindset shines through in your approach to investigating and responding to employee queries on pension, tax or payroll‑related issues.
• You naturally bring structure, a meticulous attention to detail and calm ownership to the payroll cycle, building the trust that is paramount with pay.

• Up to £60,000 base salary
• Competitive benefits package
• Open to part time
• Hybrid working, open to different office/home splits
• Ongoing training and career development
• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Health Care
• Bonus Scheme