HR & Payroll Assistant Manager in City of London

HR & Payroll Assistant Manager in City of London

City of London Full-Time No working from home possible
Oakleaf Partnership

HR & Payroll Assistant Manager

?? Tower Bridge, London (5 days onsite)
?? £55,000 + benefits
?? Permanent, full-time

About the Company

A leading global maritime business in Central London is seeking to appoint an HR & Payroll Assistant Manager. Established over a century ago, the organisation operates across more than 25 international offices with a workforce exceeding 600 employees.

The business is partner-led, commercially focused, and experiencing continued global growth through expansion and strategic acquisition. Its largest hubs include London and Singapore, each home to large, high-performing teams.

The Opportunity

This is a newly shaped role designed to support the organisation's next phase of growth, including international expansion and further investment in people infrastructure.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, including the HR Director and Finance function, gaining exposure across a global workforce. This role offers a clear and structured pathway toward progression into an HR Manager or Payroll Manager position.

Role Overview

This position combines HR generalist responsibilities with full ownership of the UK payroll cycle, supporting the entire employee lifecycle and reward framework.

While primarily focused on the London office (circa 170 employees), the role also provides exposure to global HR activities across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

HR Administration & Employee Lifecycle

  • Act as a first point of contact for HR queries, escalating complex issues as needed
  • Manage HR inboxes and ensure timely responses
  • Administer the full employee lifecycle (onboarding, promotions, leavers, etc.)
  • Coordinate onboarding processes, including contracts, checks and inductions
  • Maintain accurate HR records in line with data protection regulations
  • Support employee relations processes including investigations and documentation

Payroll & Benefits

  • Own the end-to-end monthly UK payroll process
  • Manage statutory requirements including PAYE, pensions and RTI submissions
  • Administer employee benefits programmes and liaise with providers
  • Support annual salary and bonus processes, including reporting obligations
  • Partner closely with Finance on reconciliations, accruals and audits

Global HR Support

  • Provide HR support to international offices in collaboration with local advisers
  • Assist with global payroll coordination and international employee matters
  • Contribute to cross-border HR projects and system implementations

Training, Compliance & Policy

  • Manage compliance training systems and reporting
  • Maintain and update HR policies in line with UK legislation
  • Support internal and external audits

Recruitment & Early Careers

  • Support recruitment of junior and mid-level roles
  • Coordinate early careers initiatives, including graduate engagement and events
  • Act as a brand ambassador at university and recruitment events

Candidate Profile

Essential

  • CIPD Level 5 (completed or in progress)
  • CIPP Payroll Technician (or working towards advanced qualification)
  • 2-3 years' experience in a combined HR & payroll role
  • Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes (PAYE, NICs, pensions, RTI, P11Ds)
  • Experience with ADP payroll systems
  • Exposure to employee relations matters
  • Strong Excel and HR systems experience

Desirable

  • Experience in international payroll or multi-jurisdictional environments
  • Background in professional services or partnership-led organisations
  • Degree or relevant further education

Skills & Attributes

  • High attention to detail with a strong control and audit mindset
  • Ability to handle confidential, senior-level data with discretion
  • Confident communicator, able to influence stakeholders
  • Commercially aware with curiosity to learn and develop
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, non-bureaucratic environment

Culture & Environment

The organisation operates within a partner-led, entrepreneurial culture where autonomy and efficiency are highly valued. Success in this role will require the ability to build credibility quickly, provide pragmatic HR support, and influence stakeholders without unnecessary process.

Development & Progression

A structured development plan is provided, including:

  • Progression to CIPD Level 7 and Chartered status
  • Advanced payroll qualifications
  • Exposure to international HR frameworks
  • Mentoring from senior HR and Finance leaders
  • Participation in global HR projects

What's on Offer

  • Salary of £55,000
  • Discretionary bonus
  • Pension, life assurance and health-related benefits
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Gym membership support
  • 25 days' annual leave

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Oakleaf Partnership

Contact Details:

Oakleaf Partnership Recruitment Team