Payroll and Benefits Manager in Leeds

Leo Group Ltd is a prominent leader in animal by-products and renewable energy sectors. As a family-run business since the 1970s, we are committed to sustainability, innovation, and providing high-quality products to our customers worldwide. Our focus on environmentally friendly practices and community engagement defines our company culture.

We are seeking an experienced Payroll & HR Manager to oversee all aspects of payroll processing and HR administration across the business. The successful candidate will be highly proficient in Sage Payroll, have a strong understanding of UK employment law, and be capable of running efficient, compliant processes across payroll, onboarding, employee relations, and HR compliance. Please be aware, we are looking for candidates with CIPD Level 5 only.

• Payroll Management (Sage Payroll) - Process end-to-end monthly payroll using Sage Payroll with full accuracy and compliance. Oversee and assist the processing of weekly payroll (done by payroll administrator) and cover weekly processing when your colleague is on holiday.
• Maintain employee records within Sage, including starters, leavers, pay changes, deductions, and statutory payments.
• Manage statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP) and ensure correct application.
• Administer pension contributions and manage auto-enrolment duties under UK pension regulations.
• Complete RTI submissions to HMRC including FPS, EPS and year-end processes (P60, P45, P11D).
• Reconcile payroll reports with Finance and produce all required payroll summaries.
• Ensure payroll compliance with HMRC rules, National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, holiday pay calculations, and UK legislation.
• Manage staff queries related to pay, deductions, holiday entitlement and timesheets.

• HR Administration & Employee Relations - Oversee the employee lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, induction, probation, performance reviews and exit processes.
• Maintain and update HR records, personnel files and HRIS data.
• Draft employment contracts, role changes, offer letters and HR documentation.
• Support managers with employee relations matters such as performance, absence, disciplinary and grievance cases.
• Manage HR policies, ensuring compliance with current UK employment law.
• Track annual leave, sickness, lateness and ensure accurate records for payroll purposes.
• Coordinate mandatory training, right-to-work checks and compliance documentation.

• Compliance & Reporting - Ensure company compliance with UK GDPR for employee data.
• Prepare HR and payroll KPI reports for senior management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of employment law and payroll legislation changes.
• Lead annual pay reviews and support with budgeting and cost-tracking for payroll.

• Minimum 3 years payroll experience, including running end-to-end payroll independently.
• Expert proficiency in Sage Payroll (essential).
• Strong understanding of UK employment law, payroll regulations and statutory processes.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment (hospitality, retail or multi-site experience beneficial).
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to support managers and employees across all HR matters.
• Confidential, professional and highly organised.

• Essential - CIPD Level 5, Strong understanding of UK employment law, payroll regulations and statutory processes, Minimum 3 years payroll experience, including running end-to-end payroll independently, Expert proficiency in Sage Payroll (essential), Experience working in a fast-paced environment (hospitality, retail or multi-site experience beneficial), Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Strong communication skills and ability to support managers and employees across all HR matters, Confidential, professional and highly organised.
• Desirable - Preferably live within a 30 minute commute 5 days a week in the office Monday to Friday. No hybrid working. 8am-5pm 42.5 hours a week £45,000 per year.