Payroll & Benefits Manager in Ipswich

We are looking for a proactive, detail-oriented and quality-driven Payroll & Benefits Manager to establish, process and maintain our payroll and benefits operations across multiple countries. Reporting directly to the Head of HR Operations, the successful individual will be responsible for delivering efficient and accurate payroll solutions in-house and through third-party vendors, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance with relevant regulations. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, IT and the wider HR team to optimise processes, enhance controls and resolve issues with a strong root-cause approach.

The successful candidate will play a key role in sourcing and managing market competitive and compelling employee benefits plans/solutions, ensuring they remain cost-effective, compliant and aligned with the business needs. This includes providing expert advice, managing vendors and ensuring seamless administration for colleagues.

• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery.
• Maintain, enhance and ensure adherence to payroll policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Manage third-party payroll providers, acting as the primary point of contact for Willis Re.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and understand payroll processes for new countries.
• Provide end-user training and support during the implementation and post-implementation phases for any new payrolls/countries.
• Troubleshoot and resolve payroll-related issues, investigating root causes and implementing preventive measures.
• Collaborate with Finance on reconciliations, reporting, and payroll‑related financial requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate Workday payroll with other modules and third-party vendors.
• Participate in payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, enhancements and migrations.
• Source, implement and administer group employee benefits, such as medical, dental, vision, life, retirement plans and other flexible benefits.
• Benchmark benefit offerings periodically and support design of competitive packages.
• Manage benefits enrolment processes ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely administration of benefits.
• Oversee benefits budget, including forecasting and invoice management.
• Stay updated with Workday payroll software functionality, new releases, and industry best practices.
• Ensure payroll and benefits activities adhere to relevant legislation, tax regulations and audit requirements.
• Maintain documentation, audit trails, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

• Proven expertise in managing payroll and benefits is essential, ideally across multiple countries.
• Familiarity with payroll software, including configuration, workflows and business rules.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations and compliance requirements.
• Familiarity in Workday configuration tools, such as pay policies, pay codes and earnings/deductions setup.
• Experience in implementing and supporting Workday payroll solutions, including end-to-end project lifecycle.
• Ability to interpret complex payroll requirements and design effective system and process solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong knowledge of compensation and benefits practices: including flexible benefits, pensions, health benefits, bonuses and other benefits.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• While not always required, qualifications such as a CIPD or a payroll qualification can be beneficial.
• A team player with a hands‑on approach and the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

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