Payroll Manager in Coventry

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to join NP Aerospace on a three-month temporary contract to work with the existing Payroll team to ensure delivery of multiple payrolls during a busy period for the business. This is a hands-on role with responsibility for end-to-end UK payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, all statutory obligations are met, and payroll information is complete, controlled and ready for approval. You will work closely with existing members of Payroll, HR, Finance, managers and operational teams to resolve queries, validate payroll inputs and maintain strong payroll governance. You will need to be highly experienced and confident using Sage Payroll and comfortable stepping into an established process quickly, managing deadlines independently and handling both straightforward and complex payroll matters.

Experience supporting or managing a Canadian payroll is not essential but would be advantageous, as the role may also provide oversight and coordination with the company’s Canadian payroll provider. We are open to full and part time candidates joining as a professional contractor or on a three-month fixed term contract.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you will take ownership of payroll delivery, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time and that all statutory, contractual and internal requirements are met. The key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

• Payroll delivery
  • Manage the end-to-end UK payroll process using Sage Payroll, ensuring all payments are accurate, complete and delivered to agreed deadlines alongside the Payroll Team.
  • Validate payroll inputs, including new starters, leavers, salary changes, overtime, shift allowances, bonuses and other pay amendments.
  • Calculate and process final payments for leavers in line with payroll procedures and statutory requirements.
  • Process statutory payments and deductions, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory leave payments, court orders and other authorised deductions.
  • Administer pension auto enrolment, salary sacrifice and salary exchange arrangements, working with pension providers and internal stakeholders where required.
  • Review time and attendance information and resolve any discrepancies before payroll is finalised.
  • Prepare and check BACS payment files, payroll control reports and supporting documentation before approval.
  • Support the coordination of Canadian payroll through the company’s third party provider where required.
• Payroll compliance and controls
  • Ensure payroll activity complies with current UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and company policies.
  • Complete Real Time Information submissions and other statutory payroll reporting accurately and on time.
  • Support payroll year end activity, including relevant reconciliations, reporting and statutory submissions.
  • Ensure National Minimum Wage requirements are met and escalate any concerns promptly.
  • Maintain clear payroll controls, audit trails and supporting records for each payroll cycle.
  • Monitor changes in payroll legislation and ensure processes remain compliant.
• Reporting and stakeholder support
  • Act as the main point of contact for payroll related queries from employees, managers and internal teams.
  • Investigate and resolve straightforward and complex pay queries, explaining outcomes clearly and professionally.
  • Work closely with HR, Finance, managers and operational teams to ensure payroll information is complete, accurate and submitted on time.
  • Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, holiday accrual information and other management reporting as required.
  • Support Finance with payroll related reconciliations, journals and control checks.
  • Liaise with HMRC, pension providers and other external organisations on payroll matters where required.
  • Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, controls, efficiency and ways of working.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

Experience

• Essential
  • Strong experience managing end to end UK payroll.
  • Significant experience using Sage Payroll.
  • Good knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments.
  • Experience processing payroll changes, checks, reconciliations, BACS files and statutory submissions.
  • Strong Excel skills, excellent attention to detail and confidence working with payroll data.
  • Able to work independently, manage strict deadlines and handle confidential information professionally.
  • Experience using AI tools, or a willingness to learn and apply them within the role.
• Desirable
  • Experience managing or coordinating Canadian payroll.
  • Experience working within manufacturing, engineering or another operational environment.
  • A recognised payroll qualification, such as CIPP, or equivalent professional experience.

Potential ability assessment

As part of the interview process, you may be asked to deliver a short presentation on a payroll challenge relevant to the role. Full details and preparation guidance will be shared in advance.