Payroll & Benefits Manager

TN United Kingdom; 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 finance legislation. In this hybrid role, you will lead a high-performing payroll team, manage third-party providers, and enhance operational efficiency. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £60,000 per annum, along with generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. Join a company committed to sustainability and diversity, where your contributions will make a significant impact on customer service and community support.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Annual Personal Medical Assessments

Benefits hub offering discounts and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Strong technical payroll knowledge and compliance understanding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll process ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Lead the payroll team, managing performance and process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Team Relationship Building

Technical Payroll Knowledge

Education

CIPD Level 5

Foundation Degree in Payroll Management

Tools

ServiceNow

SAP HR

Job description

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 high performance and challenge existing processes for improvement.
5. Handle complex cases and escalations with thorough responses and proactive measures to prevent recurrence.
6. Develop the skills of the payroll team, ensuring they understand HR policies, processes, and employment law.
7. Ensure compliance with internal controls, HMRC requirements, and data protection legislation.

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.
• Strong team relationship-building and collaborative skills.
• Experience managing third-party providers to meet service levels.
• Excellent 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 with the ServiceNow case management system.
• Foundation degree in Payroll Management from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Proficiency in SAP HR.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension scheme – up to 12%, with 2x employee contribution.
• Annual Personal Medical Assessments.
• Benefits hub offering discounts and wellbeing support.

Who are we?

At Thames Water, our purpose is to deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities, and planet can thrive.

We are committed to sustainability and managing water resources responsibly amidst climate challenges.

Working at Thames Water

We value diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a welcoming environment for all employees. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and support inclusive recruitment practices.

Join us to support our customers and gain rewarding experiences, including opportunities to serve as an ambassador during crises, with full training provided.

Note: Due to high application volume, the vacancy may close early. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.