Payroll Manager

Join to apply for the Payroll Manager role at Syme Drummond

35 hours per week | Option to compress hours | 1-day WFH

Permanent

About the Opportunity

Syme Drummond is delighted to be supporting a long‑established and growing organisation as they appoint a Payroll Manager at a pivotal moment of change. This fantastic customer is seeking an experienced professional who can take full ownership of the function and lead its modernisation.

You will ensure the accurate and timely delivery of monthly payroll, maintain strong governance and data integrity, and have full autonomy working closely with an amazing Head of HR to support effective payroll decision‑making. As the organisation embraces positive transformation, this is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about streamlining processes, improving systems and shaping the future of payroll.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver end‑to‑end monthly payroll for all employee groups, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• Maintain up‑to‑date payroll data, records and statutory documentation (PAYE, RTI, pensions, P60/P11D, statutory payments).
• Oversee payroll via external providers for a smaller group of employees outside the UK, ensuring correct data submission and governance.
• Drive process improvement and system optimisation (SAGE HR), reducing manual work and enhancing efficiency.
• Provide payroll reporting, analytics and costings to support HR, Finance and wider business planning.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries, offering clear and supportive guidance.
• Manage pension administration, benefits deductions and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Support pay negotiations and organisational projects by supplying accurate payroll data and insight.

About You

We are seeking someone with:

• Strong end‑to‑end payroll management experience at scale
• Deep understanding of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements
• Excellent analytical ability and advanced Excel skills
• Experience with payroll systems (Sage preferred but not essential)
• Strong accuracy, attention to detail and organisational capability
• Clear, confident communication and problem‑solving skills
• A collaborative approach, able to build trusted relationships across HR and Finance
• A proactive mindset, with a focus on improvement and modernisation

Experience in a similar role is essential, along with confidence in communicating financial information to managers and employees, and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

This role will suit someone who is reliable, diligent and calm under pressure. Someone who takes pride in delivering payroll activity that is both accurate and human, ensuring compliance while supporting colleagues with clarity, care and professionalism.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Please apply via the link or reach out to me at Kelsie.patterson@symedrummond.co.uk