Payroll Specialist

South West Water; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider in Exeter is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processes and ensure compliance with UK legislation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll management, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This full-time, permanent position offers a competitive salary and benefits, working within a dedicated People & Culture team.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a payroll specialist or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience managing complex or high-volume payrolls from end to end.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely monthly payroll.
• Act as the main point of contact for escalated payroll queries.
• Conduct detailed payroll reconciliations for audits.

Skills

Payroll management

Excellent analytical skills

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Education

CIPD or CIPP qualification

Tools

Microsoft 365

SAP

Workday

Job description

AtSouth West Waterwe believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

We currently have an opportunity for a Payroll Specialist to join our dedicated People & Culture team based inExeter. Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary plus excellent benefits.

About the role:

As a Payroll Specialist, you will play a key role in the accurate and timely delivery of our monthly payroll across the Group. You will be responsible for managing complex payroll processes, ensuring full compliance with all legislative and company requirements, and acting as a subject matter expert for payroll-related queries.

This role requires a strong understanding of payroll legislation, excellent analytical skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement. You will work closely with colleagues in People Services, Finance, and across the business to ensure payroll operations run smoothly and efficiently.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely monthly payroll processes across all employee groups
• Ensure all statutory payments (e.g., tax, NI, pensions, student loans) are correctly calculated and paid on time
• Act as the main point of contact for escalated and complex payroll queries, resolving them efficiently and professionally
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders including HMRC, pension providers, and other third parties
• Conduct detailed payroll reconciliations and support financial audits by providing necessary documentation and insights
• Review and improve internal payroll processes to drive efficiency, compliance, and service quality
• Ensure accurate data management and processing within payroll and HR systems, proactively identifying and resolving discrepancies
• Provide in-depth payroll reporting and analytics to support internal stakeholders and drive business decisions
• Stay up-to-date with changes in payroll legislation and ensure compliance across all payroll operations
• Provide guidance to HR colleagues and line managers on payroll policies and best practices
• Contribute to People team projects, offering payroll insight and expertise where required
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection in all aspects of your work

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience in a payroll specialist or similar role, ideally in a complex or multi-site organisation
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements
• Experience managing complex or high-volume payrolls from end to end
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, with strong Excel skills essential
• Experience working with HRIS/payroll systems; knowledge of SAP, Workday, or similar systems is a plus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of the business
• High attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when under pressure
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, meet tight deadlines, and remain calm under pressure
• Confident and proactive in identifying issues and recommending solutions
• A strong sense of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive data
• CIPD or CIPP qualification (or working towards) would be advantageous

Closing Date: 3rd December 2025

We look forward to hearing from you!

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.