Description:
We are partnered with a well-established and trusted payroll provider delivering fully compliant, efficient payroll services to contractors and recruitment agencies throughout the UK. Our reputation is built on professionalism, transparency, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
Role Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Payroll Manager with extensive expertise in payroll to take full ownership of strategic, operational, and compliance-related payroll functions. This senior-level position plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of high-volume contractor payrolls, while maintaining regulatory compliance and contributing to key business initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and manage the payroll function, from daily operations to strategic development.
- Define and execute payroll strategies aligned with company growth and service goals.
- Mentor, manage, and develop a high-performing payroll team.
- Collaborate across departments (Operations, Compliance, IT, Client Services) to optimize payroll processes.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC, IR35, off-payroll working rules, and employment law.
- Manage internal controls, audits, and responses to external regulatory reviews.
- Oversee accurate and timely RTI submissions, P45s, P60s, and other statutory documents.
- Serve as the subject-matter expert on statutory payments and deductions, including holiday pay and pensions auto-enrolment.
Process Management & Systems
- Continuously improve payroll systems, automation workflows, and reporting frameworks.
- Maintain strict data security, payment accuracy, and GDPR compliance.
- Liaise with payroll software vendors to ensure systems are scalable and up to date.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters with recruitment agencies and end clients.
- Provide detailed reports, insight, and recommendations to executive leadership.
- Lead initiatives such as onboarding new contractor cohorts and rolling out system/process changes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a payroll leadership role.
- Advanced knowledge of UK payroll legislation
- Proven experience managing weekly/monthly high-volume payroll, including gross-to-net calculations.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and team leadership.
- Familiarity with My Digital payroll software (preferred).
- CIPP qualification or equivalent (preferred but not essential).
Benefits
- Competitive salary and discretionary performance bonus
- Company pension scheme
- 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible/hybrid working options
- Private medical insurance
- Career development support and professional training
- Collaborative and innovative team environment