Payroll & Benefits Manager 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.

Applications are invited for the position at our Newtownards site: Reporting to the Head of HR, the Payroll & Benefits Manager (NI/GB) will lead our payroll and benefits team in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. This critical role acts as a key collaborator between HR and Finance to ensure seamless operational integration and payroll processing. A strategic leader, the successful applicant will drive the modernisation of our payroll systems and the standardisation of processes. Our new Payroll Manager will also be responsible for coaching and developing the team, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring all services meet the highest standards of consistency and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll team in NI/GB providing work direction and guidance to direct reports ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, PAYE, NIC, pensions, SSP, SMP & statutory reporting (RTI & Year‑End).
• Manage NI/GB & International payrolls including review and sign off as required.
• Manage the amendments and payroll file preparation for any relevant executive payroll for the relevant jurisdiction.
• Managing any Payroll Outsource Partner and ensuring smooth interaction with payroll employees.
• Seeking efficiencies in the end‑to‑end payroll process.
• Ensure full compliance with any HMRC and statutory requirements as it relates to payroll contributions, employee benefits and expenses.
• Liaising with the internal tax team and external tax advisers, and other external partners and institutions such as pension and life companies.
• Act as project subject matter expert on the HRIS project, support the end‑to‑end implementation of a HRIS solution.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of managing payroll & benefits in a large complex organisation.
• Strong technical knowledge of NI/GB payroll legislation and managing benefits.
• Excellent organisational, analytical & communication skills.
• Proficiency in payroll systems.
• Proven experience in managing & developing a strong team.
• Experience from within the food manufacturing industry would be advantageous.

If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Application Process

To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV by email to Glen Young at glen.young@lakelanddairies.com by no later than mid‑day on Monday 12th January 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 recruitmentni@lakelanddairies.com.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Finance

Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing