At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage HR and payroll processes while supporting employee lifecycle and global HR activities.
- Company: Join a leading global maritime business with a dynamic, partner-led culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, health benefits, and gym membership support.
- Other info: Structured development plan with opportunities for progression and mentoring from senior leaders.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to international HR and payroll while progressing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 5 (or in progress) and 2-3 years' experience in HR and payroll.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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
- 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
- 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
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 & ProgressionA 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
- Salary of £55,000
- Discretionary bonus
- Pension, life assurance and health‐related benefits
- Employee assistance programme
- Gym membership support
- 25 days' annual leave
HR & Payroll Assistant Manager in London employer: Oakleaf Partnership
Join a leading global maritime business located in the vibrant Tower Bridge area of London, where you will be part of a partner-led, entrepreneurial culture that values autonomy and efficiency. As an HR & Payroll Assistant Manager, you will benefit from a structured development plan, including opportunities for progression to senior roles and advanced qualifications, all while working closely with senior leadership in a dynamic environment. With competitive salary and benefits, including gym membership support and generous annual leave, this role offers a meaningful career path in a company committed to employee growth and international expansion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Payroll Assistant Manager in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Oakleaf Partnership!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Oakleaf Partnership.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Payroll Assistant Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Oakleaf Partnership. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Oakleaf Partnership and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Oakleaf Partnership. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Oakleaf Partnership's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakleaf Partnership
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Oakleaf Partnership.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Oakleaf Partnership will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Oakleaf Partnership and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
