Payroll Administrator in Newtownards

Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties. With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.

The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.

Our Payroll Administrator will play a pivotal role at the heart of our NI/GB HR & Payroll Team, where their attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality will truly shine. The successful applicant will take ownership of delivering timely and accurate weekly and monthly payrolls, coordinating employee benefits, and managing a range of essential administrative tasks. Beyond payroll, they will play a valued part in supporting the wider HR Group, contributing to a smooth, efficient, and people‑focused operation. If you thrive in a role where precision meets purpose, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Key responsibilities will include (Not limited to):

• Prepare, calculate and process payrolls in a timely, accurate and confidential manner.
• Complete the weekly RTI submission, ensuring calculations and deductions have been processed correctly and promptly, meeting strict deadlines.
• In conjunction with The Payroll Team, ensure all administration in relation to employee benefits (including company cars, enhanced pension, insurance policies, etc) are up-to-date and processed as required while efficiently dealing with any queries from employees or management.
• Produce accurate reports as required in relation to absence, holidays, overtime, time in lieu etc. and ensure databases are maintained.
• Ensure all legislation changes are adhered to in relation to payroll and benefits, advising where necessary on policy revisions.
• Assist in the implementation or upgrade of any new HR/Payroll systems.
• Process statutory payments, calculating starter and leaver payments and deductions and back pay where applicable.
• Ensure time & attendance and access control systems (Softworks) are accurately maintained including, creating new employee profiles, deactivating leaver profiles, updating holiday entitlements, assigning access rights to employees and managers and providing information to others as necessary.
• Ensure accurate payment information is provided to employment agencies on a weekly basis.
• Reconcile approve and process invoices for payment liaising with the Finance department as appropriate.

The Person

We’re seeking a driven individual who brings previous payroll/finance admin experience from within a busy setting and who thrives in an environment where accuracy and pace go hand in hand. You’ll be a natural communicator who values teamwork and collaboration, numerically confident with the ability to multi‑task without losing focus. Being comfortable with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential, as is a genuine passion for delivering exceptional service. Experience working with payroll/HRIS systems would be advantageous.

Application Process:

To apply or for further information, please submit a copy of your CV by no later than Monday 8th June 2026. Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at.