Payroll Manager

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Valley Mills, Drighlington

Compensation: £52,000 - £60,000 / year

Description

• UK payroll is accurate, compliant and delivered on time every month.
• Outsourced European payroll providers receive complete information, meet agreed standards and resolve issues quickly.
• Payroll changes, risks, approvals and dependencies are tracked clearly and supported by audit-ready records.
• Payroll journals, reconciliations and variance analysis give Finance reliable information each month.
• New-country payrolls are introduced with clear ownership, controls, documentation and trusted providers.
• Colleagues receive clear, caring and timely support when they have a payroll question.

What You’ll Do

• Own the end-to-end monthly UK payroll, from data preparation and validation through to approval, payment and reporting.
• Coordinate payroll changes with the People team, including new starters, leavers, salary changes, benefits, allowances and deductions.
• Process statutory payments, including SMP, SPP and SSP, and maintain accurate supporting records.
• Complete payroll-related HMRC submissions, year-end activity and statutory reporting within required deadlines.

• Oversee outsourced Dutch payroll and act as the key link between internal teams and the payroll provider.
• Check payroll inputs and outputs carefully, challenge discrepancies and make sure issues are resolved before payroll is finalised.
• Define clear responsibilities, timelines and controls with each international payroll provider.
• Support payroll setup in new countries, including provider selection, onboarding, process design and readiness checks.

• Maintain clear payroll procedures, approval controls and audit-ready records across every country in scope.
• Stay informed about relevant payroll legislation and translate changes into practical actions for the business.
• Partner with Finance on payroll journals, balance-sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and month-end reporting.
• Support payroll audits, tax submissions and compliance reviews, providing complete and accurate evidence.
• Track payroll risks, changes and dependencies, escalating concerns early and recommending appropriate action.

• Lead improvements to payroll systems, data flows and controls, including the implementation of new payroll platforms where required.
• Run post-payroll reviews to identify errors, recurring issues and opportunities to make the process simpler and more reliable.
• Build strong working relationships across Finance, People and Operations, keeping stakeholders informed throughout each payroll cycle.
• Respond to colleague payroll queries with clarity, care and appropriate confidentiality.
• Act as the trusted payroll adviser for leaders and colleagues across the business.

What You’ll Bring

• At least five years’ payroll experience, with strong technical knowledge of UK payroll and practical exposure to European payrolls.
• CIPP qualification at Full Member level or above.
• Excellent understanding of UK payroll legislation, statutory requirements, HMRC reporting and compliance.
• Experience overseeing outsourced international payroll providers and working across different country requirements.
• Experience implementing or improving payroll platforms, processes and controls.
• Confidence using payroll software, HR systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong numerical accuracy, attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Clear communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the confidence to explain complex payroll matters simply.
• A proactive, improvement-focused approach and the ability to take ownership from issue through to resolution.
  
  

• Experience supporting payroll setup in a new country or territory.
• Experience working in a multi-site, international or fast-growing business.
• Knowledge of Dutch payroll or experience working directly with a Dutch payroll provider.
  
  

• Put customers first by recognising that a reliable payroll experience supports every colleague to do their best work.
• Work as one team across Finance, People, Operations and external partners, sharing information and solving problems together.
• Take ownership of payroll delivery, follow issues through and speak up when something does not look right.
• Stay focused on accuracy, compliance and the deadlines that matter while continuing to improve how we work.
• Keep others in the know with clear payroll calendars, timely updates and honest escalation of risks or delays.