Payroll & Benefits Manager

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Payroll & Benefits Manager, where you will oversee payroll processes and ensure compliance with regulations. This role requires strong leadership and analytical skills, focusing on enhancing customer experience and improving organisational efficiency. You will manage a dedicated payroll team and collaborate with third-party providers, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this innovative firm offers a supportive environment for all employees. Make a difference in the community while advancing your career in a dynamic setting.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Contributory pension scheme (up to 12%)

Annual Personal Medical Assessments

Access to benefits hub with discounts

Qualifications

• Experience managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Strong relationship-building and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees.
• Lead and develop the payroll team, driving performance improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Technical Payroll Knowledge

Relationship Building

Organisational Skills

Education

CIPD Level 5

Foundation Degree in Payroll Management

Tools

ServiceNow

SAP HR

Job description

Job title: Payroll & Benefits Manager Ref 38777

Division: People

Location: Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB

Contract type: Permanent

Full/Part-time: Full-time

Salary: Offering up to £60,000 per annum depending on experience

Job grade: B

Closing date: 15/05/2025

Role Overview

The Payroll and Benefits Manager oversees and manages the payroll process, ensuring timely, accurate processing, compliance with regulations, and effective administration. The ideal candidate will have strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills, with a focus on enhancing customer experience and organisational efficiency.

Responsibilities

1. Maintain compliance with finance legislation such as working hours, minimum wage, and payroll regulations.
2. Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees.
3. Manage third-party providers involved in payroll operations.
4. Lead and develop the payroll team, driving performance and process improvements.
5. Handle complex cases and escalations with thorough responses and proactive measures.
6. Develop payroll team skills, ensuring understanding of HR policies, processes, and employment law.
7. Ensure compliance with internal controls, HMRC requirements, and data protection legislation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Leadership experience managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Strong relationship-building and collaborative skills.
• Experience managing third-party service providers.
• Excellent technical payroll knowledge.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Member (Level 5) of CIPD or equivalent qualification.
• Experience with ServiceNow case management system.
• Foundation degree in Payroll Management from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Proficiency in SAP HR.

Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12%).
• Annual Personal Medical Assessments.
• Access to benefits hub with discounts and wellbeing support.

About Thames Water

Our purpose is to deliver essential water services to help communities and the planet thrive. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering a supportive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

Join us to make a difference and support our customers, especially during crises, as part of our dedicated team.