At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processing and support HR initiatives with a focus on compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Join Wenzels, a company that values teamwork and professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and 50% discount at Wenzel's Stores.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and a proactive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll and benefits while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
Job Description
Title
Payroll Specialist
Reports to
Head of People
Direct Reports
None
Salary
- £37,000 per annum
- Role Purpose
The Payroll & People Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of all payroll processing and the ongoing development and administration of compensation and benefits across Wenzels.
This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can manage end-to-end payroll operations, support strategic HR initiatives, and ensure full compliance with statutory obligations.
Additionally, the role provides analytical insights and recommendations to support the People function in maintaining a competitive and compliant total reward offering.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Payroll
- Manage monthly payroll processing accurately and in line with statutory deadlines.
- Complete monthly PAYE and NI reconciliations, ensuring timely payment preparation.
- Manage submissions for salary sacrifice schemes and liaise with agencies on
Attachment of Earnings and Court Orders.
- Ensure Benefit in Kind items are accurately recorded and reported through P11D and
PSA submissions.
- Maintain compliance with payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
- Lead preparation of the monthly Payroll KPI Dashboard.
- Forecast and plan future payroll requirements through data analysis and reporting.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver payroll and compliance projects effectively.
- Provide expert advice on complex payroll and compliance matters.
- Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
- Act as a subject matter expert for payroll, compliance, and benefits, supporting HR and
Finance.
- Complete ONS submissions and Gender Pay Gap reporting as required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Partner with the People team to design and maintain fair and competitive compensation and bonus structures.
- Assist with job analysis and compensation classification exercises.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of benefit packages using employee feedback and benchmarking data.
- Liaise with brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth service delivery.
- Identify trends and patterns in compensation and benefits to maintain competitiveness.
- Conduct research to inform benefit programme improvements.
- Work with Finance to ensure accurate and timely P11D submissions.
- Support benchmarking and evaluation of existing benefit plans.
- General Responsibilities
All employees are expected to
- Uphold Wenzel’s mission, values, and professional standards.
- Comply with company policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.
- Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
- Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
- Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive approach to achieving business goals.
- Undertake additional tasks or projects as required by business needs.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll for a medium or large organisation.
- In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance.
- Experience managing compensation and benefits programmes, including vendor liaison.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret data and provide insights.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy; able to manage multiple priorities.
- Advanced proficiency in HRIS, T&A, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel.
- Relevant qualification in payroll or HR (e. g. CIPP, CIPD) preferred.
- Key Attributes
- Proactive and forward-thinking with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
- Collaborative and adaptable; works effectively across departments.
- Results-driven, well-organised, and resilient under pressure.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: £35,000 per annum
- 50% discount at Wenzel's Stores
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)
- Extra paid day off for your birthday
- Training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and career progression
- Access to a comprehensive Wellbeing Centre and 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline offering free, confidential advice
- Hiring Process
The hiring process will include
- An initial phone or video interview
- A final face-to-face interview at our Head Office
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks.
Payroll Specialist in Watford employer: Wenzel's The Bakers
Wenzel’s the Bakers is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With benefits like free meals, generous holiday entitlement, and comprehensive training programmes, we empower our Sales Assistants to thrive in a supportive environment while enjoying competitive pay and flexible working hours. Join us in delivering outstanding customer service and be part of a growing team that values your passion for food and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Watford
✨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 Wenzel's The Bakers!
✨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 Wenzel's The Bakers.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in Watford
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 Wenzel's The Bakers. 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 Wenzel's The Bakers 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 Wenzel's The Bakers. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Wenzel's The Bakers'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 Wenzel's The Bakers
✨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 Wenzel's The Bakers.
✨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 Wenzel's The Bakers 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 Wenzel's The Bakers and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
