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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic payroll team and oversee the entire payroll process with precision.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days of leave, flexible working, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving payroll transformation and supporting your team's success.
- Qualifications: Experienced in payroll management with strong leadership and analytical skills.
- Other info: Embrace continuous learning and enjoy a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Services Team Leader to join a leading global organisation with a proud heritage and a strong record of growth and innovation. Based at the Milton Keynes head office, this role offers you the chance to lead a dedicated payroll team responsible for delivering accurate and timely payroll across a large, multi-site workforce.
This is a great opportunity for a motivated payroll professional looking to take ownership of a key function within a respected and supportive business. You’ll combine leadership, compliance, and technical expertise to deliver a reliable payroll service while identifying opportunities to streamline processes and develop your team. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working, a generous benefits package, and the chance to play a vital role in a forward-thinking payroll operation that supports employees across the UK.
What you’ll do
Lead and support a team of payroll professionals, fostering collaboration, development, and high performance.
Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for both salaried and hourly employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance at every stage.
Maintain adherence to PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory legislation.
Act as the primary contact for escalated payroll queries and internal stakeholders.
Liaise with HMRC, auditors, and external agencies on payroll-related matters.
Manage payroll systems, oversee upgrades, and ensure data integrity.
Implement and monitor internal controls to reduce risk and ensure accurate reporting.
Produce payroll KPIs and insights for senior leadership, supporting business decision-making.
Drive process improvement, automation, and payroll transformation projects.
What you bring
You’ll be an experienced payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy, compliance, and leadership. You’ll be confident managing a team and able to balance hands‑on delivery with strategic thinking.
Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
Proven experience managing payroll in a high‑volume or multi‑site environment.
Track record of leading and developing a team to deliver consistent results.
Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with great attention to detail.
Skilled at building relationships across HR, Finance, and senior leadership.
Familiarity with pension schemes, benefits, and payroll reconciliations.
Experience in payroll audits, system changes, or process improvement projects.
What’s on offer
Salary up to £50,000 (depending on experience)
33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
Flexible hybrid working
Company pension scheme
Life assurance (with option to increase cover)
Exclusive retail discounts and car purchase offers
Family‑friendly policies and wellbeing support
Share purchase plan and referral rewards
Paid volunteering day each year
Continuous learning and development opportunities
If you’re looking for a leadership role where your payroll expertise can make a genuine impact — and you want to join an organisation that values professionalism, teamwork, and personal wellbeing — we’d love to hear from you.
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
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Payroll Team Leader employer: Robert Walters UK
Contact Detail:
Robert Walters UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their payroll team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you and match your skills. Tailor your approach to each company to stand out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Share any additional insights or thoughts you have about the role, showing your enthusiasm and commitment to joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your payroll expertise, leadership experience, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about payroll and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements in payroll management.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves producing payroll KPIs and insights, make sure to highlight your analytical abilities. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters UK
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Brush up on UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements before the interview. Being able to discuss PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions confidently will show that you’re not just experienced but also up-to-date with current regulations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led and developed a team in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in performance or morale. This will demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration and high performance within a team.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you’ve tackled payroll issues or improved processes. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your attention to detail and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Discuss your experience liaising with internal stakeholders and external agencies like HMRC. Prepare to talk about how you’ve built relationships across departments, as this is crucial for the role. Showing that you can communicate effectively will set you apart.
