Payroll Administration Team Lead

E.ON UK; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

E.ON UK is seeking a Payroll Administration Lead to oversee monthly payroll operations in a multi-system environment (SAP and Workday). You will lead Payroll Administrators, allocate workload, ensure QA, and resolve complex payroll queries while driving continuous improvement.

You will coach the team, monitor service levels, and coordinate with Payroll Manager to meet KPIs. A formal payroll qualification and strong integrity are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and develop payroll teams.
• Strong organisational skills in deadline-driven payroll environments.
• In-depth knowledge of payroll processes and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day line management for Payroll Administrators, coaching and developing the team.
• Resolve payroll queries via Live Chat, Help Cases and email with accurate, timely responses.
• Review and approve payroll tasks to ensure policy and compliance; reduce errors.

Skills

Leadership coaching

Organisational skills

Payroll knowledge

Data analysis / Excel

Education

Formal payroll qualification

Payroll certifications

Tools

SAP HR

Workday

Job description

The Payroll Administration Lead supports the delivery of accurate and timely monthly payroll operations within a multi‑system environment, utilising both SAP and Workday. The role provides day‑to‑day leadership and support to Payroll Administrators, overseeing workload allocation, quality assurance, and the resolution of complex payroll queries. Acting as a behavioural role model and first point of escalation, the Payroll Administration Lead drives high standards of service delivery, develops team capability, and contributes to continuous improvement across payroll processes.

• Provide day‑to‑day line management for Payroll Administrators, acting as a positive behavioural role model while delivering coaching, mentoring, performance feedback and development support to enhance individual and team capability
• Support Payroll Administrators in the effective resolution of payroll‑related enquiries received through Live Chat, Help Cases and email, ensuring queries are resolved accurately, professionally and within agreed service levels through the provision of training, guidance and coaching.
• Review, validate and approve work completed by Payroll Administrators, ensuring payroll processes are completed accurately and in line with policy, procedure and legislative requirements, reducing the risk of payroll errors and colleague impact.
• Act as the first point of escalation for complex payroll queries and issues, conducting investigations and identifying root causes. Use insights gained to recommend process, training and service improvements, escalating risks and opportunities to the Payroll Manager and leading local continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the Payroll Manager, Deputy Payroll Manager and other specialist roles in delivering payroll operational performance by coordinating daily activities, monitoring workload and progress against payroll schedules, and ensuring KPI and SLA targets are achieved. Provide regular feedback on resource requirements, risks and priorities to support successful payroll delivery.
• Undertake payroll transactions and processing activities, (including administrative tasks and payroll running support where required), to ensure the accurate and timely payment of colleagues in accordance with contractual, policy and statutory requirements.
• Lead or support payroll‑related projects in partnership with Payroll Advisors, providing subject matter expertise, coordinating resources and ensuring solutions are operationally effective, compliant with legislative requirements and aligned with payroll best practice.

• Proven experience in leading and coaching teams for high performance.
• Strong organisational skills in deadline‑driven payroll environments.
• In‑depth knowledge of payroll processes and best practices.
• Detail‑oriented with ability to analyse large datasets; advanced Excel skills desirable; SAP HR and Workday experience advantageous.
• High integrity with confidentiality.
• Formal payroll qualification required; advanced payroll certifications preferrable.

The Payroll Administration Lead ensures accurate and timely monthly payroll using SAP and Workday, providing day‑to‑day leadership to Payroll Administrators. They oversee workload, quality assurance, and complex query resolution, acting as a role model and first escalation point. The lead drives service excellence, develops team skills, and supports continuous payroll process improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and coach Payroll Administrators, providing feedback and development.
• Support query resolution via Live Chat, Help Cases, and email, ensuring accuracy and timely responses.
• Review and approve payroll tasks to ensure compliance and reduce errors.
• Escalate and investigate complex payroll issues, recommending improvements and escalating risks.
• Assist Payroll Manager with operations, workload monitoring, and KPI achievement.
• Perform payroll transactions and administrative tasks as needed.
• Lead or support payroll projects, ensuring compliance and operational effectiveness.