Payroll Administrator Apprentice

Hexcel; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Parking

Canteen with funded and subsidised can

Incrementally funded Private Medical

Salary sacrifice

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Share scheme after 6 months

Job summary

Hexcel Composites in the UK is hiring a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprentice in Cambridge. You will support UK payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payments while learning payroll legislation and HRIS processes.

Working 37.5 hours a week (Mon–Fri) with hybrid option up to 2 days remote. Salary £26,520 plus benefits, and you will complete a Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship with Swarm Training over 16–18 months.

Qualifications

• GCSEs Maths and English C/4 or equivalent
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent IT skills, especially Excel
• Fluent English and ability to handle confidential information

Responsibilities

• Support UK payroll operations and ensure on-time, accurate salaries
• Maintain payroll HRIS and time&attendance records
• Assist with year-end payroll processes and auto-enrolment administration
• Prepare payroll calculations and payroll reports
• Provide first point of contact for payroll queries and escalate complex issues
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection requirements
• Collaborate with payroll team and other stakeholders to support payroll validation and auditing

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Fluent English

Discretion

Teamwork

Strong numeracy

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Payroll Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Swarm Recruitment is working with Hexcel Composites to recruit a Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprentice. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to kickstart their career in Payroll within a long-established thriving growing company. Due to the nature of the work applicants must be 18 or over. About Hexcel and the role Hexcel delivers advanced composite materials that help aerospace, defense, and industrial innovators build lighter, stronger, and smarter solutions. You will support the Senior Payroll/HRIS Advisor in operating the company payrolls for the UK. You will be responsible for collating and processing payroll related information to ensure employees are paid on time and accurately and ensuring adherence to policies and legislation., Effective provision of payroll and pay-related functions, maintain accurate and timely HRIS updates and employee records, and ensure the efficient control, understanding, and application of relevant administrative, payroll legislation, company policies and procedures.

• Undertake and successfully complete the agreed Payroll Apprenticeship qualification, applying learning in the workplace and meeting all study, assessment and attendance requirements.
• Support the administration of payroll in accordance with all relevant legal requirements and company procedures, developing the knowledge and skills required to deliver a consistent and accurate payroll service to UK employees, including year-end payroll processes, auto-enrolment administration and associated payroll activities.
• Support the administration and maintenance of payroll, HRIS and time and attendance systems, ensuring employee information is entered accurately, maintained appropriately and kept up to date in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Assist with the preparation and validation of payroll calculations, including statutory payments, deductions, pension contributions, salary sacrifice arrangements and other payroll adjustments, under the guidance of the Payroll team,
• Develop an understanding of payroll legislation and compliance requirements, supporting the completion of statutory reporting and documentation in line with legislated deadlines, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension auto-enrolment regulations.
• Process and communicate routine changes to pay and employee job details to relevant departments and managers and assist in producing payroll and HR reports to support payroll validation, auditing requirements and management decision-making.
• Learn and apply company pay-related policies and procedures, including company car administration, pension schemes, share schemes and bonus arrangements.
• Provide a first point of contact for routine payroll-related queries, delivering a professional and customer-focused service. Escalate complex issues requiring specialist advice as appropriate.
• Develop knowledge of Hexcel payroll, HRIS and time and attendance systems, supporting system testing, upgrades, implementations and process improvement activities where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR administrative processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the team.
• Administer pay-related records for temporary workers and contractors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
• Administer, issue and monitor employee Photo ID cards.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle employee information in accordance with data protection requirements, company policies and payroll best practice.
• Work closely with colleagues, managers, training providers and other stakeholders to support both operational objectives and successful completion of the apprenticeship programme., Training will be with Swarm Training, a national apprenticeship provider in the UK. The successful candidate will work towards a Level 3 Payroll Administrator apprenticeship which takes 16-18 months to complete. The apprentice must complete a minimum of 6 hours per week during working hours, with monthly training sessions conducted by a tutor, with tasks assigned to be completed during those hours.

By applying for this position, you agree for your data to be stored by Swarm Recruitment until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Your data will only be used for the purposes intended. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you if requested.

• Ability to study towards and achieve a recognised Payroll Apprenticeship qualification, applying learning accurately and effectively within the role.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English C/4, with strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Good IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, with intermediate to advanced spreadsheet capabilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy when processing information.
• Strong team-working skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across the organisation.
• Fluent English language skills, including clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage workloads, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with employees, managers, and other stakeholders.
• Car and driving license required due to location
  Working Arrangements

Hours: You will work a 37.5-hour week on a Monday to Friday, 08.30-16.45 although flexitime is available. Office based role initially but hybrid working of up to 2 days from home is available. Career Development Initially a fixed contract and we anticipate a full-time role permanent after the apprenticeship depending on performance Salary and Benefits As part of the team, you'll receive:

• Salary of £26,520
• Free Parking
• Canteen with funded and subsidised catering
• Incrementally funded Private Medical option
• Salary sacrifice
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Share scheme after 6 months