Payroll and Benefits Specialist

Elliott Scott - HR search & recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

International Commodities Trading Business is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Specialist for a 12-month fixed-term contract in London. You will manage monthly payroll and reporting, oversee pension administration, and handle employee benefits with a focus on accuracy and governance.

The role requires hands-on payroll expertise, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and external providers.

Qualifications

• Proven end-to-end payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pensions.
• SMCR requirements familiarity is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly London payroll and reporting.
• Support global payroll processes as needed.
• Oversee pension administration and enrolments/changes/terminations.

Skills

Payroll processing

UK payroll legislation

SMCR knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

Excel

Job description

We are partnering with an international commodities trading business who are looking to hire a Payroll and Benefits Specialist on an initial 12-month fixed term contract. This is a hands-on role providing dedicated support across payroll and benefits, with a particular focus on strengthening processes, delivering on key cycles and building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers.

The successful candidate will bring strong payroll and benefits expertise, excellent analytical skills and a practical, collaborative approach. You will play an important role in ensuring payroll processes are accurate, efficient and well governed, while also supporting wider HR initiatives and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage, oversee and review the monthly London payroll and associated reporting, ensuring accurate and timely processing in line with agreed deadlines.
• Review and support global payroll processes as required.
• Manage and oversee the pension administration process, ensuring accurate and timely updates.
• Act as a key point of contact for complex payroll queries, providing clear and appropriate guidance.
• Partner closely with the third-party payroll provider to identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls and improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify and implement continuous improvements across payroll processes and procedures.
• Manage the day-to-day administration of employee benefits, ensuring a high-quality service to employees.
• Oversee employee enrolments, changes and terminations across all benefit schemes.
• Act as a key point of contact for employee benefits queries, providing guidance on benefits and related policies.
• Manage and oversee the annual global benefits renewal process, working closely with brokers and providers to assess market trends, service levels and potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Support benefits communications and initiatives designed to increase employee awareness and engagement.

Candidate Profile:

• Previous experience within Financial Services, with a good understanding of SMCR requirements.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll processes, with strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pensions.
• Experience administering employee benefits programmes, including managing annual renewals.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate salary, reward and market data.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and effective problem solving.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to work with senior stakeholders and external providers.
• The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver against deadlines.
• A positive, professional and proactive approach, with a willingness to be hands-on and get involved across a broad range of HR activities.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a small team, balancing independence with strong collaboration.

Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to analyse and present complex data effectively.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.