Group Payroll Manager

Sammons Recruitment Ltd; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services organisation in Oxford seeks an experienced Group Payroll Manager to lead their payroll function. The ideal candidate will have a strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and experience with large-scale payrolls. This full-time, permanent position offers hybrid working options and a salary of £65,000 per annum, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working

Management development opportunities

Wellbeing initiatives

Employee recognition awards

Financial and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance.
• Proven experience managing multiple or large-scale payrolls.
• Strong system and process management skills across group environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the internal payroll function across all group offices.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of multiple payrolls.
• Manage year-end activities, including HMRC submissions.

Skills

Knowledge of UK payroll legislation

Experience managing multiple payrolls

Strong communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Attention to detail

Education

CIPP qualification or working towards

Job description

Overview

Our client, a dynamic and expanding professional services organisation, is seeking an experienced Group Payroll Manager to join their central finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled payroll professional to take ownership of a group-level payroll function, leading continuous improvement across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will have proven experience managing complex payroll operations, a strong grasp of UK legislation, and the confidence to act as a key advisor to senior leadership. This is a full-time, permanent position with hybrid and flexible working options.

What’s on Offer

• Job type: Full time, permanent
• Location: Oxford
• Salary: £65,000 p/a
• Comprehensive benefits package: Hybrid and flexible working, management development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, employee recognition awards, and a range of financial and lifestyle benefits

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the internal payroll function across all group offices
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of multiple payrolls and consolidated data
• Maintain full compliance with UK payroll legislation and statutory obligations
• Manage year-end activities, including HMRC submissions and statutory reporting
• Oversee pension schemes, benefits, and auto-enrolment compliance
• Standardise and enhance payroll processes and systems to improve efficiency
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to align payroll with organisational strategy
• Provide analytical payroll insights and cost reporting to senior leadership
• Act as the escalation point for complex payroll queries
• Maintain robust internal controls and audit readiness
• Serve as the group\'s subject matter expert on payroll systems, processes, and legislation

Skills, Experience, and Training Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance
• Proven experience managing multiple or large-scale payrolls
• Strong system and process management skills across group environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and confidentiality
• Confident working with data, analysis, and reporting (advanced Excel skills desirable)
• Ideally CIPP qualified or working towards
• Experience improving payroll processes and implementing new systems
• Previous experience within a professional services or multi-site environment desirable

Our Ideal Candidate

A confident and collaborative professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. You will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance. You will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, with a commitment to delivering service excellence and driving continual improvement.

How to Apply

If you have the skills and experience for this opportunity and are looking to take the next step in your payroll career, we would love to hear from you. Please apply directly through this advert with your CV.

If you know someone suitable for this role, share the word and through our referral scheme receive up to £250! For full details on all Permanent, Temporary and Contract career opportunities we are actively seeking candidates for. Recruiting on the basis of Talent, we are committed to supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace and consider all applications. Any salary advertised is for search purposes only. If you have not heard from us within 7 days you will have not been successful on this occasion; however, we would welcome your application for alternative vacancies.