Based at our contemporary head office and distribution centre on the outskirts of Preston, James Hall & Co. Ltd. have been established for over 150 years proudly serving communities across the north of England as supplier and distributor to over 450 SPAR stores.
We are proud to be one of the biggest employers in Lancashire with over 4000 colleagues who represent our core values of passion, enterprise, and family every single day.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of work: 38 hours per week
Location: Office based - James Hall & Co. Bowland View, Preston, PR2 5QT
Salary: Competitive & negotiable
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end payroll function for the James Hall Group of Companies. This role oversees a payroll operation that spans multiple business sectors-including manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and our network of SPAR retail stores.
In addition to managing internal payroll operations, the Payroll Manager will also be responsible for overseeing our Payroll Bureau service, which supports a number of independent SPAR retailers. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated Payroll Team within the Accounts Department and will report directly to the Group Finance Director.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who is passionate about accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.
Here’s What You Can Expect to be Doing
- Oversee the full end-to-end payroll process for multiple payrolls across the Group, ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries, bonuses, and deductions.
- Ensure accurate calculation and processing of statutory and voluntary pension contributions, including reporting and reconciliation in line with pension scheme requirements.
- Prepare and submit statutory reports such as the Gender Pay Gap report and Employment statistical surveys.
- Stay up to date with the latest HMRC legislation and guidance, ensuring full compliance and implementing changes as required.
- Maintain accurate and timely reporting to HMRC, including RTI submissions, P60s, and P11Ds.
- Investigate and resolve post-payroll queries, ensuring clear and timely communication with internal departments and employees.
- Manage and reconcile payroll-related balance sheet control accounts.
- Produce, review, and post payroll journals to the general ledger, ensuring accuracy and consistency across reporting periods.
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related audit queries, working closely with internal and external auditors.
- Support the introduction and implementation of new payroll-related schemes or legislative changes.
- Provide leadership, development, and day-to-day management of the Payroll Team, including performance reviews and ongoing training.
- Contribute to ad-hoc finance and HR projects, ensuring payroll implications are considered and managed.
- Provide accurate departmental payroll cost reports and analysis to support budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Undertake other payroll-related administrative duties as required to support the wider Accounts Department.
A Few Things About You
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional who can contribute effectively to our payroll operations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical knowledge, a commitment to compliance and accuracy, and the ability to collaborate successfully across departments. The following attributes and qualifications are essential for success in this role:
- CIPP qualification (preferred) or equivalent professional accounting/payroll certification with demonstrable relevant experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pension schemes, and HMRC requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to maintaining high levels of accuracy and compliance.
- Confident written and verbal communicator, capable of building strong relationships across finance, HR, and operational teams.
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with a good working knowledge of payroll software and financial systems.
- Flexible and adaptable approach, comfortable managing change in a fast-moving environment.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to make an impact within a well-established and growing business. If you are a proactive, hands‑on payroll professional looking to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
James Hall & Co. Ltd. have one simple vison: to still be in business in another 50 years!
To make this vision possible we need the best talent to join us on our journey. We are a family company and believe that if we look after our people, they will look after us.
Loyalty Pay - Celebrate your work anniversary with a little extra! You'll earn an additional £0.25 per hour over the financial year, with the hourly amount increasing the longer you stay with us. Your total is paid as a lump sum in the month following your anniversary.
20% Staff Discount - Enjoy 20% off your shopping in our company-owned SPAR stores - perfect for those everyday essentials and treats.
Annual Leave - Start with a generous 30 days of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays. Entitlement increases with length of service, rewarding your continued commitment.
Health & Wellbeing - All colleagues can access our on‑site registered nurses and physiotherapist at Bowland View for confidential support. We also run a year‑round programme of health and wellbeing initiatives covering physical, mental, and lifestyle topics.
Company Sick Pay - We offer a Company Sick Pay scheme to support you during periods of ill health, providing peace of mind when you need it most.
Enhanced Pension & Life Insurance - You will be enrolled into our Master Trust pension scheme, offering enhanced contributions to support your financial future. You will also receive life insurance cover from the start of your employment, providing immediate peace of mind for you and your family.
Free Onsite Parking - All colleagues have access to free onsite parking, making your commute more convenient and cost-effective.
Learning & Development - Whether you're looking to build your career or gain new skills, our in‑house team will support you with fully funded, accredited training and industry‑recognised qualifications.
Grocery Aid Support - Access free, confidential, 24/7 support through Grocery Aid - offering expert advice and help on everything from mental health and financial concerns to legal issues and family support.
For more information about us and the benefits we offer, please head over to our careers page.
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Payroll Manager - James Hall & Co in Preston employer: James Hall & Co Ltd
At James Hall & Co. Ltd., we pride ourselves on being a family-oriented employer that values passion, enterprise, and community service. With over 150 years of experience and a commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as 30 days of annual leave, a loyalty pay scheme, and access to health and wellbeing resources. Our contemporary office in Preston fosters a collaborative work culture, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while ensuring our employees feel supported and valued.
