Payroll Analyst

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Payroll Analyst (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract based in Reading 1‑4 days per week in the office.

What if you could work on something that you can’t test… but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below ‑250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge. That’s exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day delivering important work, in support of the most important mission – keeping the nation safe. AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll data, including salaries, allowances, and statutory payments.
• Act as the primary point of contact for Information Management, ensuring compliance with GDPR and secure handling of sensitive data.
• Liaise effectively with employees, pensioners, internal departments, and external agencies to resolve payroll and data‑related queries.
• Collate, develop, and issue reports and presentation materials aligned with organisational standards and key deliverables.
• Maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders while safeguarding classified and confidential information.
• Oversee archiving and data retention processes in accordance with Information Management policies.

Essential

• Proven experience in payroll administration and compliance with statutory and contractual obligations.
• Strong knowledge of GDPR, data protection principles, and secure information handling.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across multiple levels.
• High proficiency in payroll systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Desirable

• Experience of Workday.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas. AWE’s ambition is to create workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and where people feel able to be themselves at work. They strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, AWE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our short‑listing process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

AWE guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates/military spouses or partners who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our short‑listing process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.