Senior Advisor, Payroll and Benefits (Maternity Cover)

We're looking for an experienced payroll and benefits professional to join our People Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, covering a period of maternity leave. This role is responsible for the smooth and accurate delivery of payroll and benefits administration across the organisation, working closely with our external payroll provider, the Finance Team and People Team.

You'll act as the go-to expert for payroll and benefits, ensuring compliance, delivering an excellent employee experience and identifying opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Own and manage the monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Liaise with our outsourced payroll provider and validate payroll submissions.
• Manage the annual salary review, bonus and promotions cycles.
• Lead on and manage the project to implement the of Payrolling of Benefits in Kind with the payroll provider.
• Administer employee benefits, including pensions, private medical insurance and flexible benefits.
• Respond to employee payroll and benefits queries.
• Produce payroll reports, reconciliations and support internal and external audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee data and payroll records.
• Support compliance activities, including payroll legislation.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR (Experience)

• Proven experience of managing or coordinating UK payroll.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax, pensions and statutory payments.
• Experience working with payroll providers and benefits administration.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong Excel and HR/payroll systems experience.
• A collaborative, customer-focused approach and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Deadline for applications - 2nd October 2026

Salary range - £45,000 - £55,000 per annum (subject to skills and experience)

Pre-Employment Background Checking Process

Due to the nature of our work across government and public sector contracts, including working with sensitive information, all applicants will need to successfully complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance process prior to starting employment.

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society.

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is aDisability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!