At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and HR services, ensuring compliance and a positive employee experience.
- Company: Join Smiths Detection, a global leader in safety technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with ownership and variety in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-driven company focused on global safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll and HR systems, strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies supporting aviation, ports & borders, defence and urban security. With 5 R&D centres, 21 global offices and 7 manufacturing sites, our 3,000 brilliant minds have spent over 40 years at the frontline, developing solutions that protect society from explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and people help make the world a safer place.
The HR & Payroll Coordinator plays a critical role in delivering accurate, compliant payroll and HR services across our UK entities. You’ll be responsible for end‑to‑end UK payroll processing, statutory compliance and employee benefits administration, while also providing hands‑on HR coordination throughout the employee lifecycle. Working closely with the HR Manager and HR Generalists, you’ll support onboarding, HR administration, reporting, engagement activities and employee relations processes - ensuring a consistent, professional and positive employee experience. This position is site based from Hemel Hempstead.
Key Responsibilities- Payroll Management
- Deliver accurate and timely monthly payroll using ADP iHCM, ensuring compliance with UK statutory and internal requirements.
- Maintain payroll data for starters, leavers, contractual changes, statutory payments, and variable pay.
- Manage statutory reporting and third‑party submissions (pensions, P45/P60/P11D, share schemes).
- Support payroll reconciliations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Benefits Administration
- Administer the company car scheme, including orders, renewals, checks, and compliance.
- Manage benefits such as pensions, healthcare, cycle to work, and SAYE schemes.
- Ensure benefits are processed correctly through payroll and reported to HMRC.
- Support annual renewals and employee communications.
- HR Coordination
- Coordinate the employee lifecycle: onboarding, changes, and offboarding.
- Maintain accurate data across HR and ERP systems and produce regular HR reports.
- Support inductions, engagement initiatives, training requests, and HR communications.
- Act as first point of contact for HR queries and provide employee relations administration (letters, minutes, bundles).
- Contribute to HR projects and support monthly payroll changes.
- Proven experience delivering UK payroll with strong knowledge of statutory requirements.
- Working knowledge of HMRC compliance and statutory reporting (P45, P60, P11D).
- Experience administering employee benefits and managing provider relationships.
- Confidence using HR and payroll systems (ADP iHCM highly desirable).
- Strong Excel skills (including formulas and pivot tables).
- Exceptional attention to detail, numerical accuracy, and discretion.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Clear communicator who builds strong relationships across HR, Finance, and external partners.
- CIPP qualification (or working towards) desirable.
- CIPD Level 3 or equivalent HR experience advantageous.
You’ll join a supportive HR team within a global organisation with a powerful mission: helping to make the world safer through advanced detection technology. This role offers ownership, variety and the opportunity to improve processes while supporting colleagues across the business.
If you’re a HR & Payroll professional who enjoys accuracy, problem‑solving and improving processes, we’d love to hear from you. Apply directly on LinkedIn or reach out to our Talent Acquisition team for more information.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
HR & Payroll Coordinator employer: Smiths Group
Contact Detail:
Smiths Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR & Payroll Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Smiths Detection on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s mission and values. Show us how your skills align with making the world safer through advanced detection technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR & Payroll interview questions. We want to see your confidence and expertise shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your knowledge!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR & Payroll Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR & Payroll Coordinator role. Highlight your experience with payroll processing, compliance, and employee benefits administration. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch in applications.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires exceptional attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to present their best work right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiths Group
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll processes and statutory requirements. Familiarise yourself with terms like P45, P60, and P11D, as well as the ADP iHCM system if you can. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As an HR & Payroll Coordinator, attention to detail is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature made a difference, whether it was catching an error in payroll or ensuring compliance with regulations. This will demonstrate your capability to manage sensitive information accurately.
✨Prepare for HR Scenarios
Think about common HR scenarios you might face, such as handling employee queries or managing onboarding processes. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these situations, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain a positive employee experience.
✨Engage with the Company’s Mission
Smiths Detection has a powerful mission of making the world safer. Research their technologies and be prepared to discuss how your role contributes to this mission. Showing genuine interest in the company’s goals will help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their values.