At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payments while driving automation and process improvements.
- Company: Join Third Space, a leading luxury health club with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive bonus, free gym membership, discounts on personal training and spa treatments.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a high-performing culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of payroll in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant UK payroll leadership experience and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Senior Payroll Manager - Central
In August 2026, we welcomed members to our 16th club, Paternoster Square.
In the heart of the city, just moments from St Paul's, our newest club offers high-spec training zones, from Reformer Pilates and Yoga to a dedicated Strength & Conditioning Studio, all alongside a world-class wet spa.
As we look ahead, our ambition is to continue growing our estate over the next five years, while ensuring the infrastructure behind our business evolves with us.
Payroll will play a critical role in that journey, ensuring our people are paid accurately and on time, while delivering the robust processes, controls and compliance needed to support an increasingly complex and growing organisation.
To support this next phase, we're looking for a Senior Payroll Manager who can lead our payroll function, drive continuous improvement and ensure we deliver an exceptional payroll experience for our people.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of payroll at Third Space.
You'll be our technical authority on payroll, tax and pensions, while leading a talented team through the next stage of our growth.
With real scope to challenge how we work, introduce greater automation and replace manual processes with robust, scalable solutions, you'll have the opportunity to build a best-in-class payroll function that can grow alongside the business.
Why Third Space?
At Third Space, we believe great people deserve great opportunities.
We're committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work, continually develop their expertise and build rewarding careers alongside exceptional colleagues.
You’ll work with ambitious people who are passionate about their craft, supported by industry-leading learning and development opportunities designed to help you reach your potential.
As we continue to grow across London, you’ll have the opportunity to shape your career, contribute to a high-performing culture and play a meaningful role within one of the most respected brands in the industry.
- What you’ll do
- Own the end-to-end payroll function across all group entities, ensuring every employee is paid accurately and on time, with strong statutory compliance, year-end delivery and payroll controls.
- Be the business’s technical authority on payroll, tax and pensions, providing expert guidance across PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, benefits, salary sacrifice, variable pay and workplace pensions.
- Lead the transformation and automation of payroll, replacing manual and spreadsheet-based processes with controlled, system-driven solutions that are scalable, efficient and fully auditable.
- Own and optimise our payroll and people systems, improving data integrity, controls and functionality, and partnering with the People team and system providers to continually improve how we work.
- Partner closely with Finance and key stakeholders, ensuring accurate payroll reporting, reconciliations and accruals, while advising the business on the payroll implications of organisational change.
- Lead and develop the payroll team, building technical and systems capability, embedding clear processes and service standards, and creating a high-performing payroll function that can support the continued growth of Third Space.
- What we’re looking for
- Significant UK payroll leadership experience within a complex, multi-site and/or multi-entity organisation, with strong technical payroll expertise.
- Expert knowledge of UK payroll legislation and taxation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, benefits, salary sacrifice and termination payments.
- Experience managing complex and variable pay models, ideally including commission, activity-based earnings and large hourly-paid populations.
- A strong track record of payroll transformation and process improvement, using systems and automation to replace manual, spreadsheet-led processes and strengthen controls.
- Experience implementing or optimising HR and payroll systems, alongside strong knowledge of workplace pensions and auto-enrolment requirements.
- CIPP qualified or equivalent, with the technical credibility, leadership skills and continuous improvement mindset to lead a high-performing payroll function.
- What you’ll get in return
- Competitive bonus, based on company targets
- Complementary group membership for yourself
- After a year with us, you will also get an additional complementary membership for a friend or family member
- Discounted PT sessions
- Discounts on Spa treatments and Natural Fitness Food products
If you're ready to build your career with one of London's leading luxury health clubs, we'd love to hear from you.
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Senior Payroll Manager - Central employer: Third Space
Third Space is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises member experience and operational excellence in the heart of Chelsea, London. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team, coach future leaders, and contribute to a brand renowned for its luxury health clubs. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to thrive in one of London's most prestigious communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Manager - Central
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Third Space!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Third Space.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Manager - Central
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Third Space. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Third Space and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Third Space. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Third Space's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Third Space
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Third Space.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Third Space will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Third Space and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
