Payroll and Benefits Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll & Benefits Manager to join a well-established and growing organisation. Reporting into the Head of Financial Control, you will lead the payroll function, oversee employee benefits administration, and manage a small team to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll operations across multiple payrolls.

This is a key role within the finance team, working closely with HR and operational stakeholders whilst driving continuous improvement across payroll, benefits and employee expenses processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the UK payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely processing of multiple payrolls.
• Oversee employee benefits administration and maintain compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Ensure payroll operations remain fully compliant with HMRC regulations, including salary sacrifice arrangements and P11D reporting.
• Take ownership of the employee expenses platform, ensuring effective administration and compliance.
• Produce payroll data, reports and analysis to support business decision-making.
• Partner with Finance, HR and operational teams on payroll-related projects and system enhancements.
• Manage relationships with external payroll, expense and systems providers.
• Support internal and external audit requirements and ensure reporting deadlines are consistently met.
• Develop, mentor and support the payroll team, creating opportunities for learning and career progression.
• Drive continuous process improvements and efficiencies across payroll and benefits operations.

About You

• You will be an experienced payroll professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering a high-quality payroll service.
• Significant experience managing payroll and benefits within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of current UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll accreditation.
• Proven people management experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
• Advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables and complex formulas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience of payroll and expenses systems management.
• SQL or Microsoft Query knowledge would be advantageous but is not essential.