Payroll Manager

Octopus Energy has grown exponentially in its short history. It is now a complex multi-billion turnover international group, which participates in multiple industry verticals including retail utilities, utilities management, generation, EV leasing and software sales. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Payroll Manager to oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process for approximately 8000 UK employees across multiple locations. This role ensures all employees are paid accurately and on time, in compliance with current UK legislation, tax regulations, and internal policies. You will act as the key point of contact for all payroll-related matters, and liaise with HMRC, pension providers, and other external stakeholders. This is a crucial role within the Finance team, requiring attention to detail, discretion, and strong technical knowledge of UK payroll systems and processes. The ideal candidate has experience in a complex, fast paced & high-volume payroll environment.

What you will do:

• Lead & manage the full payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing of the monthly payrolls (approx 8000 employees across two payrolls)
• Liaise with various stakeholders in the business relating to payroll activity.
• Creation & manipulation of payroll journals for finance leads across the business.
• Maintain and troubleshoot payroll systems (Hibob).
• Manage and respond to payroll-related queries from employees, management, and external agencies.
• Support the UK Reward & Benefits Manager with benefit administration.
• Keep up to date with legal updates, and best practices in payroll operations.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory deductions (e.g. SSP, SMP, SPP).
• Manage pension contributions and auto-enrolment processes in line with The Pensions Regulator requirements.
• Keep up to date with changes in payroll legislation and best practices, advising the business where necessary.
• Support Finance with payroll reporting, audits, and data analysis as required.
• Implement and improve payroll procedures, controls, and systems.

What you will need:

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience
• Proven experience in payroll processing, ideally in a Payroll Manager or senior payroll role.
• Experience managing high-volume, multi-location payroll operations.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory obligations.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• CIPP Qualification (desirable)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Hibob (HRIS & Payroll)
• Familiarity with auditor requests.
• Working with & understanding payroll journals.

Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we will always do our best to flex around what works for you. Along the way, you will chat with our recruitment team and your Recruiter will help you throughout different stages. Got any burning questions before then? Drop us a message and we would love to help!

If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you. We want to ensure you have all the tools and environment you need to unleash your potential. Need any specific accommodations? Whether you require specific accommodations or have a unique preference, let us know, and we will do what we can to customise your interview process for comfort and maximum magic!

Studies have shown that some groups of people, like women, are less likely to apply to a role unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. Whoever you are, if you like one of our jobs, we encourage you to apply as you might just be the candidate we hire. Across Octopus, we are looking for genuinely decent people who are honest and empathetic. Our people are our strongest asset and the unique skills and perspectives people bring to the team are the driving force of our success. As an equal opportunity employer, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.