Payroll Manager

  • Hays
  • Leeds, Yorkshire
  • Jan 13, 2026
Full time Banking Finance

Job Description

Payroll Manager (Hybrid, 2 days in Leeds)

Are you an experienced Payroll Leader looking to take ownership of a large, complex, and high profile payroll operation? This is an exciting opportunity to join a major organisation and lead the delivery of payroll services for over 16,500 colleagues across the UK.
We're looking for a confident, people focused Payroll Manager who thrives in a fast paced environment, brings deep technical expertise, and is passionate about driving accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management

  • Responsible for the coordination and day to day activities of the UK payroll team delivering payroll for approx. 16,500 colleagues across 3 monthly payrolls and 1 weekly payroll.
  • Manage payroll workloads to meet operational requirements and service levels.
  • Performance manage, coach, mentor, and develop the payroll team to build capability and drive excellence.
  • Manage and resolve escalations relating to payroll queries.
Payroll Delivery & Compliance
  • Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, compliantly, and on time.
  • Administer employee benefit plans within payroll.
  • Oversee compliance with all statutory reporting and filing requirements.
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly, and year end payroll reports.
  • Monitor accurate processing of new starters, leavers, transfers, promotions, and terminations.
  • Prepare and review payroll account reconciliations.
  • Ensure payroll information and records are maintained in line with statutory requirements.
  • Support internal and external audits related to payroll.
  • Process payroll for Executive, Board, and Director level employees.
Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
  • Review, refine, and improve payroll policies, procedures, and controls.
  • Oversee the maintenance and accuracy of employee data systems.
  • Interpret and apply current and emerging HMRC and Employment Law legislation, including (but not limited to):
    • NMW/NLW
    • P11D
    • Gender Pay
    • HMRC Job Retention Scheme
Cross Border Collaboration
  • Work in partnership with the Non UK Payroll Manager to ensure accurate payment of secondments and transfers between UK and international payrolls.
About You
You'll be a great fit if you bring:
  • Proven experience managing large, complex payroll operations.
  • Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
  • Experience leading and developing high performing teams.
  • A proactive, solutions focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience with SAP or similar large scale payroll systems (preferred).


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 about your career.
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