At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and manage employee benefits across the organisation.
- Company: Established and growing organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior position with genuine influence, and excellent career opportunities.
- Other info: Proactive role with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape payroll processes and work closely with Finance and HR leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of payroll experience and CIPP Level 4 Payroll Specialist Certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We are hiring for our client, a well-established and growing organisation, to appoint a Payroll & Benefits Manager to take ownership of payroll delivery and employee benefits across the business. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced payroll professional looking to step into a role with genuine responsibility, visibility and influence.
You will oversee payroll operations across multiple business areas, including both in-house and outsourced arrangements, while also taking ownership of employee benefits and payroll governance. The role goes beyond day-to-day processing. As Payroll & Benefits Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert across payroll, pensions and benefits, working closely with Finance, HR, senior stakeholders and external providers to ensure accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.
Top 3 Things to Know About This Job
- Senior payroll opportunity with ownership across payroll, pensions and benefits.
- Mix of operational management, compliance, analysis and continuous improvement.
- High-profile role working closely with Finance, HR and senior stakeholders.
The Role
- Manage the delivery of group payrolls across in-house and outsourced arrangements.
- Oversee payroll data, processing, reconciliations and final authorisation.
- Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and relevant regulations.
- Manage relationships with external payroll and benefits providers.
- Oversee pensions, healthcare, life assurance and salary sacrifice arrangements.
- Lead payroll audits, reconciliations and year-end activities.
- Produce payroll reporting and analysis to support business decision-making.
- Provide payroll cost analysis to support budgeting and forecasting.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and systems.
- Monitor payroll accuracy, recurring issues and compliance requirements.
- Act as the internal subject matter expert on payroll, pensions and benefits.
- Provide guidance to employees, managers and senior stakeholders.
The Person
- Minimum 5 years' payroll experience, including management or supervisory responsibility.
- CIPP Level 4 Payroll Specialist Certificate or equivalent essential.
- Experience managing both in-house and outsourced payroll.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pensions.
- Experience with employee benefits and salary sacrifice schemes.
- Advanced Excel and payroll/HRIS systems experience.
- Strong analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
- Proactive approach to process improvement and compliance.
The Rewards
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
- Senior position with genuine ownership and influence.
- Opportunity to shape payroll processes and controls.
- Broad exposure across Finance, HR and senior leadership.
- Professional and collaborative working environment.
- Excellent long-term career opportunity.
Next Steps
For further information and to apply for this Payroll & Benefits Manager role, please contact Nuala at Hunter Savage. Expert, confidential recruitment advice. Salary is usually negotiable and details listed are intended as a guide based on experience and expertise.
Payroll & Benefits Manager in Belfast employer: Hunter Savage
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefits Manager in Belfast
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Hunter Savage!
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If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Hunter Savage.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefits Manager in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Hunter Savage. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Hunter Savage and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Hunter Savage. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hunter Savage's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hunter Savage
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Hunter Savage.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Hunter Savage will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Hunter Savage and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
