Payroll Manager in Cardiff

A high number of candidates may make applications for this position, so make sure to send your CV and application through as soon as possible.

12-Month Fixed Term Contract | Hybrid (2-3 days per week in Cardiff)

We are partnering with an excellent, well-established organisation to recruit an experienced Payroll Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys managing people, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering a high-quality payroll service within a shared services environment.

You will take ownership of payroll delivery for the UK workforce, leading a small, established team and working closely with Finance and wider stakeholders to ensure accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

As Payroll Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and performance of the payroll function, including:

• Leading and supporting a team of Senior Payroll Officers, Senior Administrators and temporary staff
• Overseeing end-to-end UK payroll processing in a high-volume environment
• Ensuring all payroll data is accurate, compliant, and delivered to agreed deadlines
• Completing and reviewing payroll checks prior to submission
• Managing BACS payments to employees, HMRC and third-party bodies
• Authorising payroll payments in collaboration with Finance
• Maintaining and reconciling General Ledger payroll entries and resolving exceptions
• Monitoring legislative and policy changes, ensuring payroll processes remain compliant
• Supporting audit activity and process reviews, including engagement with external consultants
• Acting as a key point of contact for payroll-related queries that impact pay, tax or benefits

This role requires someone who is confident, grounded and personable, with the ability to lead calmly and effectively through a fixed-term period of change.

• Proven experience in a UK Payroll Manager or Payroll Operations Manager role
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing mixed-level payroll teams
• Demonstrable experience working within a shared services payroll model
• Exposure to high-volume payrolls
• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation, pensions and auto-enrolment
• Experience of payrolling benefits and P11Ds (at a working knowledge level)
• High attention to detail and strong governance mindset
• Confident communicator, able to work collaboratively across functions

• 12-month fixed-term contract
• Hybrid working - 2-3 days per week in Cardiff
• Opportunity to lead an established payroll function within a respected organisation
• Supportive, professional working environment

If you’re an experienced payroll leader looking for a well-defined fixed-term opportunity where you can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.