Payroll Manager | up to £45,000 - SM

Alexander Mae; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £45,000

12-month fixed-term contract (Maternit

Hybrid working

Competitive benefits package

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Alexander Mae is hiring a Payroll Manager in Bristol on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. The role leads end-to-end UK payroll across multiple payrolls and partners with HR and Finance to ensure accurate, on-time payments.

The ideal candidate will have UK payroll expertise, payroll qualifications, strong Excel and payroll systems experience, and a collaborative, detail‑driven approach in a hybrid Bristol environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing end-to-end UK payroll.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance.
• Experience leading or supervising a payroll team.
• Excel and payroll systems experience.
• Attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication across the business.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly UK payroll across multiple payrolls.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, PAYE, NI, pensions and year-end.
• Lead payroll reconciliations, controls and audits.
• Develop and improve payroll processes and documentation.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and stakeholders.
• Work with HR and Finance to ensure accurate payroll data.
• Respond to employee payroll queries and provide a professional service.
• Produce payroll reporting and analysis for decision-making.
• Lead, coach and develop a small payroll team.

Skills

End-to-end UK payroll

Payroll leadership

Excel advanced

UK payroll legislation

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Payroll qualification

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Overview

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.