Payroll Team Leader

Payroll Team Leader

Bristol Full-Time 36000 - 60000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to manage UK payroll, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Company: Join Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition for food and beverage industries.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work environment and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of food while working in an inclusive and diverse culture.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in payroll operations with strong knowledge of UK legislation required.
  • Other info: CIPP qualification is highly desirable; experience with payroll systems is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.

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Requisition ID: 60047
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement: #LI-Hybrid

We are looking for a Payroll Team Leader to join our dynamic global team. In this critical role, you will oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll function for our UK workforce, ensuring that every payroll run is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with HMRC regulations, UK employment legislation, and internal governance standards.

You will lead a team of dedicated payroll professionals and collaborate closely with colleagues across HR, Finance, and external providers. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement and

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of payroll professionals to consistently meet service level agreements and internal KPIs.
  • Oversee and process accurate payroll for UK-based employees on a weekly/monthly basis, including salaries, bonuses, statutory payments (e.g. SMP, SSP, SAP), and pension contributions.
  • Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation including Real Time Information (RTI) submissions, PAYE, NI, and student loan repayments.
  • Manage all HMRC submissions and ensure year-end reporting requirements (e.g., P11D, P60, P45, FPS, EPS) are completed accurately and on time.
  • Maintain accurate employee payroll records and audit trails in accordance with GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex payroll and taxation queries, resolving discrepancies promptly and professionally.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing site managers and HR business partners to ensure accuracy of site-specific payroll inputs.
  • Liaise with external bodies (e.g., HMRC, The Pensions Regulator, auditors) as required.
  • Continually review payroll processes, controls, and system performance to identify and implement efficiencies and automation opportunities.
  • Support internal and external audits by providing accurate records, reconciliations, and explanations as required.
  • Keep up to date with all UK payroll legislation changes, tax reforms, and regulatory updates, ensuring they are reflected in payroll practices.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Proven leadership experience in UK payroll operations within high-volume, complex environments. Exposure to multi-site or manufacturing payroll is a strong plus.
  • Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, statutory payments, court orders, and auto-enrolment.
  • Experience processing complex payrolls that include variable pay elements such as overtime, shift differentials, and union deductions.
  • Experience with payroll systems such as iTrent, ResourceLink, SAP, Workday (or similar).
  • Strong Excel skills (including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables).
  • Familiarity with HR/Finance systems integration, including GL postings and cost centre allocations.
  • Exceptional accuracy, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organisational and time-management abilities to handle competing priorities.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly to non-specialists.
  • CIPP qualification (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) – highly desirable.
  • Formal training in GDPR, payroll systems, or audit practices is an advantage.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world\’s leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers\’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

Get in touch today!

In Kerry we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally. Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Candidate and Agency Information:

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where Kerry terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any Kerry Hiring Managers.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a β€œstarter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

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Payroll Team Leader employer: Kerry Group plc

Kerry is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to lead and innovate within the payroll function. With a commitment to professional growth, team members benefit from mentorship and continuous improvement initiatives, all while working in a global environment that values diversity and sustainability. Located in the UK, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on the payroll operations of a leading taste and nutrition company, ensuring compliance and accuracy in a supportive atmosphere.
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Contact Detail:

Kerry Group plc Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Team Leader

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a constantly evolving field.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the payroll industry, especially those who have experience in high-volume or multi-site environments. Engaging with others can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experiences where you mentored or developed a team. Highlighting your ability to lead effectively will resonate well with the hiring managers at StudySmarter.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential interview questions by practising how to explain complex payroll concepts in simple terms. This skill is crucial, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-specialists in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Team Leader

Leadership Skills
UK Payroll Legislation Knowledge
End-to-End Payroll Management
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Data Analysis
Experience with Payroll Systems (e.g., iTrent, SAP, Workday)
Strong Excel Skills (including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables)
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills
GDPR Compliance Knowledge
CIPP Qualification (desirable)
Collaboration Skills
Audit Support Experience

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in payroll operations, especially in high-volume environments. Include specific examples of how you've managed payroll processes and ensured compliance with UK legislation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for payroll management and detail your experience with payroll systems like iTrent or SAP. Mention your familiarity with UK payroll legislation and how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Excel. These are crucial for the Payroll Team Leader role, so provide examples of how you've used these skills in past positions.

Showcase Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Discuss any previous experiences where you identified inefficiencies in payroll processes and implemented improvements. This demonstrates your proactive approach and aligns with the company's focus on continuous improvement.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry Group plc

✨Know Your Payroll Legislation

Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and understanding of the role.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've led and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to mentor others and drive continuous improvement, as this is crucial for the Payroll Team Leader position.

✨Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience with payroll systems like iTrent or SAP, and your proficiency in Excel. Mention specific tasks you've accomplished using these tools to demonstrate your technical capabilities.

✨Prepare for Complex Queries

Think about complex payroll or taxation queries you've handled in the past. Be prepared to explain how you resolved discrepancies and maintained compliance, as this will be a key part of your role.

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