Senior Payroll Advisor 18 months FTC Stratford-upon-Avon

Lead the delivery of accurate, compliant and high‑quality payroll services for over 4,000 colleagues.

• Shape payroll processes, controls and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service and employee experience.
• Hybrid working environment with opportunities to grow, influence and develop in a trusted, people‑centred organisation.

As a Senior Payroll Adviser, you’ll play a key part in ensuring NFU Mutual delivers a seamless, compliant and customer‑focused payroll service. Using your technical expertise and strong attention to detail, you’ll support the monthly payroll cycle, lead statutory reporting activities and contribute to the ongoing development of payroll processes and systems. You’ll also act as a trusted adviser to colleagues and stakeholders, helping to maintain high standards of accuracy, service and regulatory compliance across the function.

In this role, you will:

• Oversee the monthly collation, validation and processing of employee data to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with statutory requirements and internal standards.
• Lead key statutory reporting activities, including tax year end and P11D submissions, liaising with stakeholders to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Support the implementation of system enhancements and process changes linked to the HR Technology Roadmap, ensuring the team remains informed and supported.
• Review and refine payroll processes, controls and service standards, identifying opportunities to strengthen accuracy, efficiency and customer experience.
• Provide expert advice on payroll policies, systems and procedures, solving complex queries and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Produce and analyse payroll control reports to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities for corrective action.
• Ensure pension contributions are set up and maintained accurately, collaborating closely with internal pension teams and external providers.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues and partners to deliver a proactive, reliable and supportive payroll service.
• Contribute to one‑off projects and continuous improvement activity that drives high‑quality outcomes across the function.

You are an experienced payroll professional who combines strong technical knowledge with a commitment to excellent service. You take pride in accuracy, enjoy problem‑solving and bring a proactive mindset to improving processes and supporting others.

You will bring:

• Technical expertise

• Strong understanding of UK payroll and pensions legislation and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience leading or supporting tax year end and P11D processing and or Payrolling Benefits.
• Confidence using payroll systems (ideally Zellis ResourceLink, or similar).
• Ability to interpret complex payroll data and produce meaningful reports and controls.
• Experience supporting large‑scale payroll activity in a busy and changing environment.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach.
• Problem‑solving abilities and confidence in managing queries.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to continuous learning, coaching and developing others.

A recognised payroll qualification (or working towards one) is advantageous.

When you join our team, you can expect a supportive culture and an attractive range of rewards and benefits including:

• Salary £35,000 - £40,000 dependent on experience
• Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
• Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
• A Family Friendly policy that helps you balance your work and family responsibilities
• Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
• £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership – subject to T&Cs
• Health and wellbeing plan- cashback for dentist, opticians, physio and more
• Access to voluntary benefits, including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
• Employee Volunteering - volunteering in the community for one day each year
• Unlimited access to Refer a Friend £500 bonus scheme
• Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
• Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual insurance policies.
• Salary sacrifice employee car scheme - subject to eligibility

We’re one of the UK’s leading general insurance and financial services organisations, and for over 110 years we’ve put our customers at the heart of everything we do. Our people are just as important to us, so we’re proud to be recognised as “a great place to work”.