Payroll Manager

Octopus Energy; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic energy company in the UK is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee the payroll process for approximately 8,000 employees. This role requires strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and experience in managing high-volume payroll operations. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of payroll experience and attention to detail. You will lead the full payroll cycle, ensuring compliance and accuracy in processing. This position is essential within the Finance team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, ideally in a Payroll Manager or senior payroll role.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full payroll cycle for approx 8,000 employees.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and statutory deductions.
• Implement and improve payroll procedures and systems.

Skills

Payroll processing experience

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Education

CIPP Qualification

Tools

Hibob

Job description

Overview

Octopus Energy has grown exponentially in its short history. It is now a complex multi-billion turnover international group, which participates in multiple industry verticals including retail utilities, utilities management, generation, EV leasing and software sales. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Payroll Manager to oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process for approximately 8,000 UK employees across multiple locations. This role ensures all employees are paid accurately and on time, in compliance with current UK legislation, tax regulations, and internal policies. You will act as the key point of contact for all payroll-related matters, and liaise with HMRC, pension providers, and other external stakeholders. This is a crucial role within the Finance team, requiring attention to detail, discretion, and strong technical knowledge of UK payroll systems and processes. The ideal candidate has experience in a complex, fast-paced and high-volume payroll environment.

What you will do

• Lead and manage the full payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing of the monthly payrolls (approx 8,000 employees across two payrolls).
• Liaise with various stakeholders in the business relating to payroll activity.
• Creation and manipulation of payroll journals for finance leads across the business.
• Maintain and troubleshoot payroll systems (Hibob).
• Manage and respond to payroll-related queries from employees, management, and external agencies.
• Support the UK Reward & Benefits Manager with benefit administration.
• Keep up to date with legal updates and best practices in payroll operations.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory deductions (e.g. SSP, SMP, SPP).
• Manage pension contributions and auto-enrolment processes in line with The Pensions Regulator requirements.
• Keep up to date with changes in payroll legislation and best practices, advising the business where necessary.
• Support Finance with payroll reporting, audits, and data analysis as required.
• Implement and improve payroll procedures, controls, and systems.

What you will need

• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience.
• Proven experience in payroll processing, ideally in a Payroll Manager or senior payroll role.
• Experience managing high-volume, multi-location payroll operations.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory obligations.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• CIPP Qualification (desirable).

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Hibob (HRIS & Payroll).
• Familiarity with auditor requests.
• Working with and understanding payroll journals.

Our process usually takes up to 4 weeks, but we’ll do our best to flex around what works for you. If you have questions, contact our recruitment team at [e-mail].

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. 🚀

Equal opportunity employer statement: We are an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment is to provide equal opportunities, an inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone.