Payroll Manager

Portfolio Payroll Limited; London Borough of Islington; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Life & Accident Cover

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Cycle to Work

Hybrid work options

Global training opportunities

Job summary

Portfolio Payroll Limited in London seeks an experienced UK Payroll Manager to lead the UK payroll function within a global construction group. You will own end-to-end payroll processing, ensure HMRC compliance, and drive payroll strategy.

The role requires 5+ years in payroll leadership, a CIPP Level 5, strong stakeholder management, and a track record in complex environments. Hybrid working with a competitive package and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a Payroll Manager or Senior Lead role.
• Experience in the Construction Industry is highly desirable.
• CIPP Level 5 qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver end-to-end UK payroll (monthly and weekly cycles) with accuracy and on-time execution.
• Ensure 100% HMRC compliance including PAYE, NIC, RTI, year-end reporting and IR35.
• Oversee cost calculations, month-end/year-end close, reconciliations and internal reporting.
• Administer auto-enrolment pensions, salary sacrifice and benefits in kind.
• Act as primary contact for audits and escalations on payroll and tax queries.
• Lead, mentor and develop the UK payroll team.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

CIPP Level 5

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Our client is a globally renowned, tier-one construction and engineering group experiencing dynamic international growth. On their behalf, we are seeking an exceptional UK Payroll Manager to spearhead their UK payroll function, drive compliance, and lead a dedicated team.

This is a high-impact role within a complex, matrix organisation where you will fully own the end-to-end payroll strategy and execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Process Ownership: Manage and deliver the end-to-end UK payroll process (monthly and weekly cycles), ensuring absolute accuracy and on-time execution.
• Compliance & Legislation: Ensure 100% compliance with HMRC regulations, including PAYE, NIC, RTI submissions, statutory payments, year-end reporting (P60, P11D, PSA), and complex IR35 legislation.
• Financial Controls: Oversee personnel cost calculations (bonuses, benefits, pensions) and handle month-end/year-end closing activities, reconciliations, and internal reporting.
• Pensions & Benefits: Supervise the administration of UK auto-enrolment pensions, salary sacrifice arrangements, and benefits in kind.
• Audit & Advisory: Act as the primary point of contact for internal/external audits and serve as the ultimate escalation point for complex payroll and tax queries.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and foster the professional development of the UK payroll team.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in a similar Payroll Manager or Senior Lead role. Experience within the Construction Industry is highly desirable.
• Qualifications: A CIPP Qualification (Minimum Level 5) is highly preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC processes, and payroll accounting controls.
• Environments: Proven track record working within an international corporate structure or a fast-paced matrix organisation.
• Soft Skills: A confident communicator capable of managing senior stakeholders and auditors under pressure, while maintaining absolute discretion.

Package & Perks

• Highly competitive base salary tailored to experience.
• Discretionary corporate bonus scheme rewarding exceptional performance.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Premium benefits package including Private Medical Insurance and Life & Accident Cover.
• Cycle to Work scheme and additional corporate discounts.
• True flexible working with modern work-from-home/hybrid options.
• Outstanding global training and corporate career development opportunities.

Please note: All applicants must have the existing right to work in the UK. Our client is an equal opportunity employer