Payroll & Benefits Manager

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is a key member of the UK People team, reporting to the UK Head of HR and supporting a headcount of circa 1,000 employees. The role has overall responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the monthly payroll process, and for the management of the UK benefits programme. The successful candidate will manage and develop a dedicated Payroll and Benefits Specialist, drive continuous improvement, and foster strong collaborative relationships across various internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payment for all UK employees. This includes reviewing, checking and approving payroll data, and ultimately signing off on all administrative input from the Payroll and Benefits Specialist.
• Ensure strict adherence to all UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC, auto‑enrolment pension regulations, etc. Stay abreast of changes in legislation and implement necessary adjustments.
• Lead and execute critical tax year end activities, such as the production and distribution of P60s and P11Ds.
• Prepare and submit accurate Gender pay gap reporting, and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Manage relationships with external vendors (e.g., SD Worx, Scottish Widows, Lockton), ensuring optimal service levels, data security, and efficient process execution.
• Collaborate with the WPP network on annual benefit renewals, overseeing enrolment windows, vendor negotiations, system configuration, and internal communications to maximise employee engagement and take‑up.
• Deliver comprehensive support to Finance teams for SOX compliance, internal audits and routine financial reporting.
• Conduct regular internal data integrity audits and reconciliations.
• Supervise and guide the Payroll & Benefits Specialist in the administration of all UK employee benefits, including the pension scheme, private medical insurance, life assurance and various ancillary benefits.
• Ensure regular process improvement and development; continuously review, develop and implement best practices and process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy and employee experience.
• Coach and develop the Payroll & Benefits Specialist, fostering a culture of accuracy, continuous learning, growth and autonomy.
• Build and cultivate strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Finance, Reward, People Operations and other internal teams on various projects, audits and strategic initiatives.
• Partner with HR Business Partners to support and manage TUPE and integration processes from a Payroll perspective.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of demonstrable experience managing UK payroll operations for a significant employee base (e.g., 500+ employees).
• Proven experience managing a comprehensive UK benefits portfolio, including vendor management best practices.
• Prior experience in a people manager role, with a track record of developing team members.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, auto‑enrolment pension regulations, financial controls, and audit requirements.
• Proficiency with large‑scale payroll systems (SD Worx advantageous) and HRIS systems, including data management and intermediate Excel skills.
• Demonstrable project management experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy and integrity when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex information clearly and acting as a subject‑matter expert for query escalations.
• A proactive, autonomous, and collaborative approach to work.
• CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) qualification or similar, advantageous but not essential.

Inclusion and Impact

WPP is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.