At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll processing and benefits administration across multiple countries.
- Company: Join UFORCE, a cutting-edge defence-technology company based in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team transforming the future of defence technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and autonomy.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll processing and benefits administration across multiple countries.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
UFORCE exists to make aggression unaffordable.
Founded in Ukraine and headquartered in London, UFORCE is a defence-technology company with operations across Europe, the United States and Asia.
UFORCE builds uncrewed vessels, ground robotics and aircraft, autonomy software, and the command-and-control layer that operates them together.
Each platform is deployable on its own, and stronger as part of the system.
Its product lines include the MAGURA family of uncrewed surface vessels, the NEMESIS family of strike platforms, the LIUT family of ground robotic platforms, and counter-UAS systems.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We're hiring a Payroll & Benefits Lead to own payroll processing and compliance for our workforce across the US and Europe.
You will be the main contact between the company and our US EOR provider and international payroll advisors (UK, US, Poland, Portugal, Estonia, Germany).
For European entities that run payroll locally, you will receive their payroll data, keep one accurate record of who sits on which entity's books, and consolidate it into group-level reporting.
You will also own benefits administration, the annual renewal cycle, and pensions in every country where we operate.
The job covers more than processing.
You will run live payroll cycles accurately and also improve how payroll works: writing SOPs, tightening controls, consolidating reporting, managing providers, and supporting audits.
Over time you will reduce our reliance on third-party providers by moving payroll onto our in-house platform in each country where we hold a local entity, including setting up payroll for a separate US entity on its own system ahead of a planned handover to local ownership.
You will work closely with People, Finance, payroll providers, benefits brokers, pension providers, and auditors, and you will be the person employees go to for fast, accurate answers on pay, pension, and benefits.
The role is UK-based.
- Run UK and US payroll cycles from start to finish: validate all inputs (new hires, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, commissions, time off), review every payroll register, and coordinate with the US EOR and international payroll advisors.
- Act as the main contact for European entities that run their own payroll: receive monthly payroll data, reconcile it against HRIS headcount, and keep a single accurate record of who sits on which entity's books.
- Own statutory filings and tax portal access for UK and US payroll, and produce consolidated group payroll reporting to support month-end close, accruals, reconciliations, and audit.
- Administer benefits and pension schemes in every country: enrollments, changes, leaver removals, entity transfers, reconciliations to payroll and provider invoices, and the annual renewal cycle with brokers and providers.
- Move payroll onto our in-house platform in each country where we hold a local entity, covering statutory registration, data migration, parallel running, and cutover.
Set up and run payroll for a separate US entity on its own system ahead of a planned handover to local ownership.
- Build and maintain the payroll operating rhythm (calendars, SOPs, controls, knowledge-base materials) with regular audits across payroll, HRIS, benefits, and provider data.
- Hold external providers and country contacts to agreed timescales, and resolve discrepancies before they reach an employee's pay.
- Answer employee questions on pay, pension, and benefits quickly, accurately, and confidentially, against a published response standard.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Direct coordination of EOR providers, payroll advisors, or local payroll contacts across multiple countries.
You hold providers to deadlines, check their outputs, and consolidate data into a reliable group view.
- You have owned UK payroll cycles from start to finish, have credible US payroll exposure (direct processing, EOR coordination, or advisor management), and have reconciled payroll against HRIS or entity data across several countries.
- Benefits and pensions administration experience, including enrollments, leavers, provider invoices, payroll deductions, UK auto-enrollment, member data, and annual renewals.
- Payroll migration or entity setup experience: you have supported or led a move from an external provider or EOR to in-house processing (statutory registration, data migration, parallel running, cutover, provider exit), or set up payroll for a new entity.
- You have built payroll systems, processes, controls, calendars, and documentation from scratch or in a very immature environment, and can turn compliance requirements into workflows that hold up under live payroll deadlines.
- Experience producing payroll reporting for Finance and supporting close, accruals, reconciliations, and audit, with strong documentation and control discipline.
- Strong vendor coordination: you hold external partners to timelines, challenge discrepancies, and elevate constructively across time zones and jurisdictions.
- Strong Excel or Google Sheets skills and fluency across payroll, HRIS, benefits, and accounting systems, with close attention to data accuracy.
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in Accounting, Finance, HR, or a related field. Proficiency in English required.
- NICE TO HAVE
- Experience with commission and bonus calculations.
- Experience running a payroll migration from an external provider to in-house processing yourself.
- Experience in high-growth, multi-entity, multi-country environments.
The nature of combat has changed.
Tomorrow’s battlefield success depends on autonomy, speed, and adaptability.
And UFORCE is ready.
Are You?
Payroll & Benefits Lead in London employer: UFORCE
UFORCE is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the defence technology sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI/ML tools, and the chance to contribute to impactful projects that enhance battlefield capabilities. Located in a vibrant area, UFORCE provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefits Lead in London
✨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 UFORCE!
✨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 UFORCE.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefits Lead in London
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 UFORCE. 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 UFORCE 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 UFORCE. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to UFORCE'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 UFORCE
✨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 UFORCE.
✨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 UFORCE 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 UFORCE and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.