Payroll Manager in Edinburgh

About the role

This is a great opportunity for someone with payroll experience to develop their knowledge by implementing a brand new HR and Payroll system and becoming involved in reward management. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing our payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining full compliance with UK payroll legislation, tax regulations, and company policies. You will manage all payroll processes, supervising the Reward Business Partner, liaising with external agencies such as HM Revenue & Customs, and implementing payroll best practices. You will also work with our finance team on payroll management, audit and compliance. You will manage benefit administration and compliance and be responsible for paying our globally mobile employees in conjunction with the specialist payroll and tax providers.

What you'll be doing

• Payroll

• Manage 4 monthly UK payrolls accurately, to service level standards and in line with legislation and corporate governance standards.
• Oversee the third parties responsible for 2 monthly overseas/global mobility payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, pensions auto-enrollment, corporate governance and employment laws.
• Audit payroll data regularly to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Liaise with HR and finance teams to coordinate employee data and reporting.
• Manage pension contributions, statutory payments (e.g. SMP, SSP), and benefits.
• Handle all year‑end processes, including P60s, P11D, PAYE settlement.
• Stay updated on changes in payroll legislation and best practices and ensure implementation.
• Process improvement and integration with new technologies and wider business improvement practices.

• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure reward initiatives are integrated and cost-effective.
• Manage monthly processes to maintain reward and benefit accuracy.
• Manage annual renewal process and any new supplier tenders in conjunction with Head of Audit and Risk Management as required.
• Manage reward‑related communications to ensure transparency and employee understanding and engagement.
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting compensation and benefits and advise Head of HR and Development/Chief People Officer on important updates.

What we're looking for

• This role requires the successful candidate to obtain a Counter Terrorist Check, so you must have been living in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years.
• CIPP qualification (or equivalent experience).
• A strong understanding of current payroll legislation, compliance and technical controls.
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on payroll delivery and management.
• Proven experience managing all compliance aspects of payroll – national minimum wage, auto-enrolment, year‑end activities etc.
• Strong knowledge of reward management including salary sacrifice schemes desirable.
• Experience with standard complex payroll systems and software.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills and comfortable with new technologies including AI and process improvement methodologies.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.

What we'll offer you

• Pension scheme – employer contributions can be up to 7%.
• 32 days holiday, based on full‑time roles, increasing with service.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Supporting your health and wellbeing – private healthcare after 1 year's service, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services.
• Free car parking on site and when you go on holiday.
• We offer a range of other benefits, find out more here.

We are committed to ensuring applicants with a disability can participate fully in our recruitment process. Please let us know if you require adjustments.