Payroll & Benefits Manager

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Payroll and Benefits Manager to oversee payroll processes and ensure compliance with regulations. This hybrid role involves leading a payroll team, managing third-party providers, and enhancing operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with technical payroll expertise. The company values diversity and offers a supportive environment, competitive salary, and various benefits, including generous holiday allowance and a contributory pension scheme. Join a team committed to delivering essential services and making a positive impact.

Benefits

26 days holiday per year

Contributory pension

Annual Medical Assessments

Benefits scheme including offers and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Excellent current, technical payroll knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for all employees.
• Manage third-party providers involved in payroll operations.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Technical Payroll Knowledge

Education

CIPD Level 5

Foundation Degree in Payroll Management

Tools

ServiceNow

SAP HR

Job description

Job Title: The Payroll and Benefits Manager

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll process for the business. This role ensures timely and accurate payroll processing, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective administration.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills, focusing on enhancing customer experience and organisational efficiency.

What you’ll be doing as a Payroll and Benefits Manager

1. Stay up to date and ensure compliance with finance legislation such as working hours, minimum wage, and general payroll regulations.
2. Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll for all employees.
3. Manage third-party providers involved in payroll operations, such as external payroll service providers and debt collection agencies.
4. Lead and manage the payroll team, ensuring they deliver and challenge existing processes to drive performance.
5. Manage complex cases and escalations by providing thorough responses and implementing proactive measures to prevent recurrence.
6. Develop the skills of the payroll team, ensuring understanding of HR policies, processes, and employment law.
7. Ensure full compliance with internal controls, HMRC requirements, and data protection legislation.

Base Location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading.
Working Pattern – 36 hours Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

Essential

• Experience in leadership, managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Skilled in building strong team relationships and fostering collaborative working methods.
• Experience managing third-party providers to ensure service levels are achieved.
• Excellent current, technical payroll knowledge.
• Good organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Associate member (Level 5) of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience using the ServiceNow case management system.
• A foundation degree in Payroll Management from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Proficient in SAP HR.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution – Max 12% (2x employee contribution).
• Annual Medical Assessments.
• Benefits scheme including offers and wellbeing support.

Who are we?

At Thames Water, our purpose is to deliver life’s essential service for customers, communities, and the planet. We are committed to taking care of water, managing challenges posed by climate extremes, and ensuring sustainable water use for all.

Working at Thames Water

We value diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a welcoming environment for all. We encourage applications from everyone and support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Join us to support our customers, learn more about our business, and possibly serve as a frontline ambassador. Full training will be provided.

Note: Due to high application volume, we may close the advert early. We recommend applying promptly.