Payroll Lead

Are you an enterprising payroll professional looking for a new opportunity? An established manufacturing business is seeking an experienced Payroll Team Lead to oversee the day-to-day running of its UK payroll function. Working closely with the Payroll Manager as part of a friendly and supportive finance team, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring payroll accuracy, statutory compliance and continuous improvement.

• £33,000 – £37,000
• Mon to Thurs 8:30am – 5:00pm; Fri 8;30am – 4:00pm
• Hybrid working – 4 days on-site, 1 day WFH
• Free on-site parking
• 24 days annual leave (+ bank holidays)
• Life Assurance x 4

Duties and responsibilities

• Taking responsibility for the accurate and timely end-to-end processing of monthly UK payrolls, including starters, leavers, salary changes, overtime, bonuses, deductions, absences and statutory payments
• Ensure all payroll-related statutory requirements are completed accurately and within required timescales, including RTI submissions, P45s, P60s, P32s, PAYE, National Insurance and pension contributions
• Review, reconcile and manage information from the time and attendance system
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries, maintaining high levels of customer service.
• Support payroll reconciliations, variance investigations, audit requirements and year-end reporting, providing accurate payroll information to Finance and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with HR, Finance, managers, employees, auditors and external organisations to ensure payroll processes remain compliant, efficient and continuously improved.

Required skills and experience

• Previous payroll experience with a proven track record of independently processing payroll from start to finish within strict deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, workplace pensions and HMRC requirements.
• Experience dealing with payroll queries, reconciliations, reporting and statutory submissions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Experience using payroll systems, with Sage 50 Payroll experience advantageous, alongside strong Microsoft Excel
• Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.