Payroll Operations Manager

Your new company

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Operations Manager to join a prestigious organisation, based near Wantage, Oxfordshire. Operating within a fast-paced, high-performance environment, this organisation combines a rich heritage of success with ambitious plans for future growth and innovation. As the Payroll Operations Manager, you will take ownership of the accurate, compliant and timely delivery of payroll services across the business. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, lead payroll governance and compliance activities, drive process improvements and support the adoption of automation and AI to enhance payroll efficiency.

Your new role

• Lead the delivery of an accurate and efficient end-to-end payroll service, ensuring all payroll activities are completed to the highest standards.
• Act as the payroll subject-matter expert, providing guidance and support to employees, managers and key stakeholders across the business.
• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments and pension regulations.
• Oversee payroll calculations, including salaries, overtime, bonuses, benefits, allowances and deductions.
• Manage year-end payroll processes, including statutory reporting and tax year-end obligations.
• Support the transition to and ongoing management of payroll benefits.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy and security of payroll data in line with GDPR and company policies.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Tax and Systems teams to enhance payroll processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with external payroll providers, pension providers and auditors.
• Produce payroll reports and deliver meaningful insights to support budgeting, forecasting and business decision-making.
• Establish robust payroll controls, governance processes and compliance frameworks to minimise risk.
• Lead payroll-related audit activities, ensuring all internal and external requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to streamline processes through automation, AI and technology.
• Champion innovation within the payroll function and support the wider People Services team in adopting new systems and ways of working

What you'll need to succeed

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll operations within a complex organisation
• Detailed knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation and statutory reporting
• Strong leadership experience, including managing or developing payroll team members
• Advanced payroll systems knowledge and strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and reconciliation capabilities
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to payroll accuracy
• Strong stakeholder-management and communication skills
• Experience establishing payroll controls and supporting audit requirements
• An interest in using AI, automation and data analytics to improve payroll delivery
• A CIPP qualification or equivalent would be advantageous.
• Experience with payroll & People systems such as Workday, SAP, ADP or OSV,
• Exposure to multi-site, multi-contract or unionised environments, would also be beneficial

What you'll get in return

• Offering annual salary up to £75,000 + 14% Bonus
• 26 days' annual leave, plus eight bank holidays
• Potential summer and winter shutdowns
• Employer-funded private medical insurance
• Health cash plan and a free health check every other year
• 4% employer pension contribution, matched by a 4% employee contribution
• Life assurance worth four times your annual salary
• Income protection covering 70% of salary
• Access to a Mercedes and electric vehicle scheme, subject to eligibility
• Performance-related bonus eligibility, as discussed during the offer process
• Free on-site parking and access to electric vehicle charging points
• Access to a state-of-the-art gym, open 24 hours a day
• Complimentary fitness classes, including yoga, HIIT and spin
• Subsidised meals and complimentary celebratory meals
• Cycle to Work scheme with a tax-saving voucher of up to £7,500
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee recognition vouchers
• Retail and team wear discounts
• Staff events and open days for friends and family
• Hybrid working is available

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Desired Skills and Experience

Payroll Manager
Detailed knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory reporting.
Strong leadership skills with experience managing or developing a payroll team
CIPP Qualified

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