Payroll Manager (UK & EU) in Bishop Auckland

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Trimble Offices, Morley

Compensation: GBP 55,000 - GBP 62,000 / year

About the role:

As Payroll Manager, you'll be the go-to expert for all things payroll at Vintage.com. You'll take ownership of our end-to-end UK payroll processing and act as the key liaison for our international payrolls with responsibility expanding to any new territories we join. This is a hands-on role where accuracy, structure, and strong stakeholder relationships truly matter. You'll partner closely with Finance, HR, and Operations to make sure payroll runs like clockwork: compliant, timely, and stress-free for our teams. If you love problem-solving, improving processes, and delivering a brilliant experience for colleagues, you'll thrive here.

Getting Started...

• Immerse yourself in our current payroll workflows.
• Build strong relationships with Finance, HR, and external payroll partners.
• Review existing payroll processes, controls, and documentation.

Establishing Your Impact...

• Take ownership of UK monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and smooth delivery.
• Strengthen communication and coordination with our outsourced international payroll providers.
• Identify quick wins to streamline payroll processing, data flow, and compliance.
• Provide clear updates and proactive problem-solving for key stakeholders.

Driving Excellence...

• Enhance payroll governance, documentation, and internal controls.
• Support readiness as we expand into new countries, including setup and oversight of outsourced payroll providers.
• Lead post-payroll reviews to identify improvements, risks, and opportunities.
• Become the trusted advisor for all things payroll, championing consistency and compliance across the organisation.

Key Goals & Objectives:

• Deliver accurate, timely UK payroll every month with zero errors.
• Maintain full compliance with HMRC requirements, statutory reporting, and internal controls.
• Ensure effective oversight and communication with the Dutch payroll provider.
• Support the successful onboarding of payroll processes for any new countries we enter.
• Implement structured tracking for payroll changes, risks, and dependencies.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and cross-team workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end UK payroll processing, including data preparation, validation, and reporting.
• Oversee outsourced Dutch payroll, ensuring accurate, compliant delivery each month.
• Coordinate with HR to ensure all payroll changes (new starters, leavers, benefits, allowances) are accurately captured.
• Maintain payroll documentation, controls, and audit-ready records.
• Process statutory payments (SMP, SPP, SSP) and ensure legislative compliance.
• Support payroll-related tax submissions, year-end activities, and audits.
• Partner with Finance on payroll journals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Assist with payroll setup in new countries, including vendor onboarding and process definition.
• Respond to employee payroll queries with clarity and care.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years' payroll experience with strong UK and EU payroll expertise.
• CIPP Qualified, Full Member or above.
• Excellent understanding of UK and EU payroll legislation, statutory requirements, and compliance.
• Experience in implementing payroll platforms, with system and control improvements.
• Confidence working with payroll software, HR systems, and MS Excel.
• Strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail, and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• A proactive mindset with a genuine interest in improving how payroll works end-to-end.