Payroll Manager (Darlington)

Are you ready to take ownership of a payroll function and shape it from the ground up? We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to lead our in-house payroll operations as we transition from an outsourced model. Based at our Teesside facility, this brand-new role offers an exciting opportunity within the business and will play a pivotal part in establishing and building payroll processes, providing guidance, and ensuring efficient, compliant operations from the ground up.

Reporting to the Finance Director, this role will work closely with both the Finance and HR departments, engaging with various departments across the UK and USA. Initially focused on our Teesside site, the scope will expand to include payroll management for our engine maintenance facility in Bridgend, South Wales, with potential for further international integration. This is a pivotal position that will ensure our payroll systems are accurate, efficient, and scalable in line with our company’s continuous growth.

• Process monthly payroll, ensuring all checks and balances are in place before payment is executed.
• Accurately calculate statutory deductions, tax, benefits, and pension contributions in line with current UK regulations.
• Ensure the company complies with all statutory HMRC payroll requirements (Statutory pay, P11D’s, P45, P60 etc…).
• Make sure pension and benefit adjustments are calculated correctly and provide details for monthly payments to be made.
• Establish and implement payroll processes and routines that are effective, operationally efficient and appropriately controlled.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related queries from employees and escalating issues where necessary.
• Maintain a close working relationship with the company’s external payroll provider (ADP).
• Provide support and data for the annual audits and internal reviews.
• Support future expansion of payroll operations across additional UK and international sites.

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a payroll-specific role, with end-to-end payroll responsibility.
• Proven experience managing payroll for single or multiple sites.
• Self-starter who is able to bring on board best practice.
• Understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• High degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; comfortable working with payroll data and reconciliations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and acute attention to detail.
• Experience working with external payroll providers, especially ADP, is a plus.

Occasional travel may be required.

WASL also offers a comprehensive benefit package to its eligible employees. This includes:

• Competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, flexible working patterns.
• 33 days annual leave including UK bank holidays, holiday buy & sell scheme.
• Health & wellbeing support, company pension, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, retail discounts, referral bonus.

About Us: Willis Aviation Services Limited are part of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, a pioneer and provider of global aviation services for over 45 years. Our facility at Teesside International Airport provides base maintenance, return to service, aircraft disassembly, short and long term aircraft storage, and ground and cargo handling services.

At Willis Aviation Services Limited (WASL), we are committed to fair hiring practices and building a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace. We value every individual’s contribution and make employment decisions based on job-related criteria such as qualifications, experience, and the ability to perform the role.

These are exciting times for Willis Aviation Services Limited as we continue to grow. If you’re ready to make a difference in aviation, apply today.

To Recruitment Agencies: WASL does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate submissions from agencies. All unsolicited profiles will be treated as the property of WASL, and no fees will be paid. This applies to any CVs sent directly to employees or managers without prior agreement with our internal Talent Acquisition team.