Payroll and Benefits Lead

Job Title Payroll and Benefits Lead Ref # 59403 Date posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 Country United Kingdom Location Woking Business area People & Transformation Department Operations Position level 5 - Supervisory / Professional - (L-14) Working time Full Time Contract type Permanent Working pattern 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday What to Expect The Payroll & Benefits Lead is responsible for the coordination and delivery of payroll and benefits across 9 countries, supporting a global employee population of approximately c.250 employees.Working closely with an outsourced benefits partner, this role will work to bring market competitive benefits to our employees. This role will also work closely with an outsourced payroll provider, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery. The role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented approach, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment that combines manual and electronic processes with high volumes of (sometimes complex) activity. What You'll Do Benefits Explore potential benefits that are market competitive in the regions, working with external providers and onboarding new providers with support from the Procurement and Legal teams.Implement processes for the management of global employee benefits programmes, including: Enrolments, changes, and leavers Liaison with external providers Act as a key contact for employee benefits queries Lead annual benefits processes (e.g., renewals, reviews, communications) working with Procurement, external providers and FinancePayroll Act as the primary internal point of contact for global payroll coordination across 9 countries Manage the end-to-end payroll cycle with outsourced provider, including: Providing guidance to People Assistants for payroll inputs Review of payroll outputs and reports Close liaison with Finance, Treasury and Tax functionsEnsure payroll is delivered accurately and on time in line with local requirements Resolve complex payroll queries from employees and stakeholders Maintain payroll records and documentation Provide absence cover for the UK Payroll & Benefits LeadData & SystemsSupport transition activities towards SuccessFactors (experience beneficial but not essential) Prepare payroll and benefits reports as required Support audits and data checks Process & Continuous ImprovementWork within existing manual processes, ensuring consistency and accuracy Identify opportunities to improve processes and reduce inefficiencies Support the Payroll & Benefits Manager with ongoing system and process improvements Compliance & GovernanceSupport compliance with local payroll and benefits regulations across multiple countries Ensure appropriate documentation and audit trails are maintained Assist with internal and external audits where required What You'll Bring Skills & ExperienceEssentialPrevious experience in international benefits and payroll Experience working with outsourced providersConfidence in researching and proposing new benefits to stakeholdersStrong experience of onboarding new suppliers, supported by legal and procurement teamsStrong attention to detail and accuracy Comfortable working with manual processes and high volumes of data or complex situationsAbility to manage multiple deadlines across different countries Strong organisational and problem-solving skills Good stakeholder communication and management skills DesirableExposure to global or multi-country payroll environments Basic understanding of payroll processes across different countries Exposure to Expatriation and related taxation issuesExperience using SAP Exposure to SuccessFactors or similar HR systems Personal AttributesResilient and adaptable in a changing environment Hands-on and proactive Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving processes Team-oriented with a collaborative approach Able to prioritise effectively under pressure What We'll Do for You We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ serviceBenefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice Who Are We? No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.