Payroll Manager

Lead our UK Payroll Function. We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the delivery of our UK payroll operation, supporting approximately 1,100 employees across seven manufacturing sites throughout the UK. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a well-established payroll function, leading a team of Payroll Administrators and an Assistant Payroll Manager while ensuring the accurate, compliant and timely delivery of payroll services.

Working closely with HR, Finance, site leadership teams and external providers, you'll act as the payroll expert for the business, driving operational excellence, strengthening controls and leading continuous improvement initiatives across payroll systems and processes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the delivery of seven UK payrolls, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for approximately 1,100 employees.
• Manage all aspects of end-to-end payroll operations, including pensions, statutory payments, bonuses, salary reviews and year-end activities.
• Oversee payroll accounting activities, including journals, reconciliations and control accounts.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and SOX controls.
• Act as the subject matter expert for payroll across the organisation.
• Lead payroll audits and manage relationships with auditors, HMRC and external providers.
• Drive payroll process improvements, system enhancements and automation initiatives.
• Develop and lead a high-performing payroll team, providing coaching, guidance and support.

What We're Looking For

• Essential CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll experience.
• Significant experience managing in-house payroll operations within a medium to large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Experience leading and developing payroll teams.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, reconciliations and audit requirements.
• Experience working with integrated HR and payroll systems.
• Proven track record of delivering payroll improvements and change initiatives.

Desirable

• Experience within a manufacturing or multi-site environment.
• Experience overseeing multiple payrolls across different employee groups or sites.
• Experience with Cintra software.

Personal Qualities

• Highly organised and detail focused.
• A confident leader who enjoys developing teams.
• Proactive and solutions oriented.
• Resilient under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.
• A strong communicator who can build effective relationships across HR, Finance and Operations.
• Professional, discreet and trusted to handle sensitive information.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to lead a critical business function, influence payroll strategy and drive meaningful improvements across systems, processes and service delivery. If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for your next challenge within a complex, multi-site organisation, we'd love to hear from you.