Payroll Manager

Alexander Mae HR Ltd; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Alexander Mae HR Ltd is seeking a Payroll Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract to lead end-to-end UK payroll in Bristol with hybrid working.

You will manage a small payroll team, ensure HMRC compliance, and drive improvements across payroll processes in collaboration with HR and Finance.

You’ll oversee monthly payroll delivery, reconciliations, year-end activities, reporting for business decisions, and developing strong relationships with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing end-to-end UK payroll.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a payroll team.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, controls and process improvement.
• Excellent Excel and payroll systems experience.
• Outstanding attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across the business.
• A recognised payroll qualification or equivalent practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the accurate and timely delivery of the monthly UK payroll across multiple payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments and year-end processes.
• Lead payroll reconciliations, controls and audit activities.
• Develop and improve payroll processes, procedures and documentation.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll data is accurate and up to date.
• Respond to employee payroll queries, providing a professional and efficient service.
• Produce payroll reporting and analysis to support business decision-making.
• Lead, coach and develop a small payroll team.

Skills

End-to-end UK payroll

UK payroll legislation

Payroll leadership

Payroll reconciliations

Excel

Payroll systems

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Payroll qualification

Education

Payroll qualification or equivalent

Job description

Payroll Manager

12 Month Fixed Term Contract Up to 45,000 Bristol Hybrid Working

The Company

Our client is a well-established, creative and commercially successful organisation with a portfolio of recognised consumer brands. They are passionate about delivering high-quality products and services, investing in their people and fostering a collaborative, supportive culture.

Due to maternity cover, they are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join their Finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The Role

Reporting into the Finance function, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll operation, ensuring employees are paid accurately, on time and in line with UK payroll legislation. You'll lead a small payroll team, work closely with HR and Finance colleagues, and drive continuous improvements across payroll processes and controls.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys combining technical expertise with people leadership in a busy and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the accurate and timely delivery of the monthly UK payroll across multiple payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments and year-end processes.
• Lead payroll reconciliations, controls and audit activities.
• Develop and improve payroll processes, procedures and documentation.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll data is accurate and up to date.
• Respond to employee payroll queries, providing a professional and efficient service.
• Produce payroll reporting and analysis to support business decision-making.
• Lead, coach and develop a small payroll team.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience managing end-to-end UK payroll.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a payroll team.
• Experience with payroll reconciliations, controls and process improvement.
• Excellent Excel and payroll systems experience.
• Outstanding attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across the business.
• A recognised payroll qualification or equivalent practical experience.

Salary & Benefits

• Up to 45,000
• 12-month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
• Hybrid working (approximately 2-3 days per week in the Bristol office)
• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunity to join a collaborative, supportive and values-driven organisation where you'll play a key role in delivering an exceptional payroll service.