Senior Payroll Coordinator (maternity cover) in Bridgwater

The Opportunity

At KAEFER, our success is built on our values and culture, which create a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. We prioritise growth and development, with abundant opportunities for advancement and a commitment to promoting from within. Our wide range of job openings, including entry-level positions, allows for the first steps on the ladder to success. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our employees throughout their careers.

We are seeking a Senior Payroll Coordinator to join our Commercial Team at Hinkley Point C on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to provide maternity leave cover. This is a critical role responsible for processing the weekly payroll for approximately 400 weekly paid employees, ensuring all payments are made accurately, on time, and in full compliance with site agreements and union working rule agreements. You will play a key role in maintaining payroll accuracy, supporting audit requirements, and ensuring robust data management processes are in place to meet strict weekly deadlines within a fast‑paced contracting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Processing the weekly payroll for approximately 400 weekly paid employees in line with contractual terms and site agreements
• Supporting the weekly payroll submission in collaboration with the Commercial Team and Central Payroll
• Inputting and validating daily timesheets within the electronic payroll system
• Reviewing timesheet data to ensure accuracy, compliance, and adherence to site working rule agreements
• Preparing and submitting the weekly paysheet to Central Payroll
• Calculating travel time and fares in accordance with union regulations and ensuring correct payroll entry
• Managing absence administration, including sickness, holiday, paternity, and bereavement processing
• Supporting the completion and submission of the weekly holiday tracker
• Managing and maintaining the master payroll sheet, including weekly updates and data integrity checks
• Processing payroll amendments, adjustments, and back‑pay calculations
• Maintaining accurate employee data including rates, radius payments, fares, and personal details
• Responding to payroll‑related queries in a timely and professional manner
• Liaising with site operations and the central payroll function to ensure seamless payroll delivery
• Supporting third‑party audit requirements and ensuring payroll documentation is compliant

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Experience in a payroll role
• Proven ability to meet demanding targets and strict weekly deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy
• Professional approach with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Strong IT skills and confidence working with electronic payroll systems
• Ability to work proactively and use initiative within a fast‑paced environment

Desirable:

• Experience working within a contracting or construction environment
• Experience working with timekeeping or third‑party payroll systems
• Understanding of union agreements and working rule agreements
• Knowledge of payroll compliance and audit processes
• Previous experience supporting an Accounts or Commercial function

Why KAEFER UK & Ireland?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services. KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, EC&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles. We have twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.5 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 job‑sites internationally, with around 35,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients. We take pride in being part of a global company, with common values and many diverse and individual voices. You can ‘count on us’ to make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work.

Our values:

• Reliability
• Ambition
• Team Spirit
• Respect