Payroll & HR Manager

Compass Associates; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing business in Berkshire is seeking a Payroll & HR Manager to manage payroll and HR processes across 200+ sites. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, strong knowledge of payroll legislation, and a people-focused approach. This role offers a salary of £60,000 to £70,000 and various benefits, with a minimum of 3 days required on-site.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead processes and implement improvements

Supportive work environment

Commutable from Berkshire and surrounding areas

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience managing payroll in the UK, with HR exposure.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance.
• Ability to manage recruitment and employee lifecycle processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processes ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Provide HR support including recruitment and onboarding.
• Build strong relationships across the business and support payroll system transitions.

Skills

Managing payroll in the UK

Knowledge of payroll legislation

HR administration or advisory experience

Organisational skills

Building trust and relationships

Education

Payroll qualification (CIPP)

HR qualification (CIPD)

Job description

Overview

Compass Associates are recruiting a Payroll & HR Manager to join a growing business in Berkshire. Following an imminent acquisition, the successful candidate will manage payroll and HR for a diverse workforce across 200+ sites, including salaried, hourly, permanent, temporary, and part-time staff.

The Candidate

The Payroll & HR Manager will take ownership of end-to-end payroll, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with HMRC regulations, pensions, and statutory obligations. The role also involves HR support, including recruitment, onboarding, employee lifecycle management, and policy compliance. The successful candidate will be hands-on, detail-oriented, and able to build strong relationships across the business. They will also support the transition of payroll systems.

Essential Criteria

• 5+ years\' experience managing payroll in the UK, with exposure to HR responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance.
• Experience in HR administration or advisory roles, with the ability to manage recruitment and employee lifecycle processes.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• People-focused approach with the ability to build trust and manage relationships effectively.
• Payroll qualification (CIPP) or HR qualification (CIPD) desirable but not essential.
• Willingness to work a minimum of 3 days on site.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is circa £60,000 - £70,000, dependent on experience, and benefits include:

• Hands-on, varied role with responsibility across payroll and HR.
• Opportunity to lead processes and implement improvements.
• Supportive work environment with close collaboration between finance and HR teams.
• Commutable from Berkshire and surrounding areas.

Location

This position is based in Berkshire, commutable from Reading, Guildford, Watford, High Wycombe.

Interview Process

1. Stage 1: Teams interview
2. Stage 2: On-site interview with Hiring Manager

Contact Details

To apply or for further information, contact Andy at Compass Associates.

Recommendations

Compass Associates Ltd acts as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 in John Lewis vouchers or £200 charity donation for each successful recommendation.

Compass Associates, established in 2009, is an award-winning UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high-quality recruitment solutions for permanent roles