Payroll Manager

About This Role

This 12-month fixed-term contract role is for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead a team of four within a large and growing service provider, employing around 2,000 people. The primary focus is ensuring accurate and on-time payroll, followed by identifying and implementing practical improvements to systems, processes, and controls. The position reports into Finance within an organisation undergoing positive change under new leadership.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of payroll and secure accurate, on-time pay
• Strengthen controls and reconciliations
• Build the team's confidence and capability
• Identify where systems and processes can work better and make clear recommendations to senior leaders
• Manage end-to-end payroll for around 2,000 employees
• Lead and develop a team of four
• Handle starters, leavers, employee changes, and payroll queries
• Manage pensions, auto-enrolment, and HMRC/RTI compliance
• Oversee payroll controls, reconciliations, and reporting
• Optimise Sage 50 Payroll and recommend improvements

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Payroll Manager or senior payroll lead, running a large payroll end to end
• Hands-on Sage 50 Payroll experience (essential)
• Experience of leading and developing a payroll team
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, RTI, pensions, and auto-enrolment
• A calm, organised approach and excellent attention to detail

Nice to have:

• Process improvement and high-volume, multi-site or shift-based payroll experience

Important Details

• Schedule: hybrid, with one day a week on site in Leicestershire
• Contract: 12-month fixed term
• Start date: ASAP

About the Company

This is a large and growing service provider, employing around 2,000 people.