Payroll Specialist

Wenzel's The Bakers; Watford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount at Wenzel's Stores

Company pension scheme

28 days’ holiday

Birthday day off

Wellbeing Centre access

Job summary

Wenzel's the Bakers is seeking a Payroll & People Specialist in Watford to oversee end-to-end payroll processing and administer compensation and benefits across the business.

You will ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, deliver accurate payroll KPI dashboards, and collaborate with HR and Finance on payroll projects, data analysis, and reporting to support a fair total reward offering.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll for a medium or large organisation.
• In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance.
• Experience managing compensation and benefits programmes, including vendor liaison.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret data and provide insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS, T&A, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Relevant qualification in payroll or HR (e.g. CIPP, CIPD) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly payroll processing accurately and on time.
• Complete monthly PAYE and NI reconciliations, ensuring timely payment preparation.
• Manage submissions for salary sacrifice schemes and liaise with agencies on Attachment of Earnings and Court Orders.
• Ensure Benefit in Kind items are accurately recorded and reported through P11D and PSA submissions.
• Maintain compliance with payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Lead preparation of the monthly Payroll KPI Dashboard.
• Forecast and plan future payroll requirements through data analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver payroll and compliance projects effectively.
• Provide expert advice on complex payroll and compliance matters.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
• Act as a subject matter expert for payroll, compliance, and benefits, supporting HR and Finance.
• Complete ONS submissions and Gender Pay Gap reporting as required.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

UK payroll legislation

Data analysis & insights

Analytical & problem-solving

Communication & stakeholder management

Attention to detail

HRIS/T&A/payroll systems

Excel proficiency

Education

CIPP or CIPD qualification preferred

Tools

HRIS

T&A systems

Payroll software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Title: Payroll Specialist

Reports to: Head of People

Direct Reports: None

Salary: £37,000 per annum

Role Purpose

The Payroll & People Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of all payroll processing and the ongoing development and administration of compensation and benefits across Wenzels.

This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can manage end-to-end payroll operations, support strategic HR initiatives, and ensure full compliance with statutory obligations.

Additionally, the role provides analytical insights and recommendations to support the People function in maintaining a competitive and compliant total reward offering.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Payroll

• Manage monthly payroll processing accurately and in line with statutory deadlines.
• Complete monthly PAYE and NI reconciliations, ensuring timely payment preparation.
• Manage submissions for salary sacrifice schemes and liaise with agencies on Attachment of Earnings and Court Orders.
• Ensure Benefit in Kind items are accurately recorded and reported through P11D and PSA submissions.
• Maintain compliance with payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Lead preparation of the monthly Payroll KPI Dashboard.
• Forecast and plan future payroll requirements through data analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver payroll and compliance projects effectively.
• Provide expert advice on complex payroll and compliance matters.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.
• Act as a subject matter expert for payroll, compliance, and benefits, supporting HR and Finance.
• Complete ONS submissions and Gender Pay Gap reporting as required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Partner with the People team to design and maintain fair and competitive compensation and bonus structures.
• Assist with job analysis and compensation classification exercises.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of benefit packages using employee feedback and benchmarking data.
• Liaise with brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth service delivery.
• Identify trends and patterns in compensation and benefits to maintain competitiveness.
• Conduct research to inform benefit programme improvements.
• Work with Finance to ensure accurate and timely P11D submissions.
• Support benchmarking and evaluation of existing benefit plans.

General Responsibilities

All employees are expected to:

• Uphold Wenzel’s mission, values, and professional standards.
• Comply with company policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.
• Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive approach to achieving business goals.
• Undertake additional tasks or projects as required by business needs.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll for a medium or large organisation.
• In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance.
• Experience managing compensation and benefits programmes, including vendor liaison.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret data and provide insights.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS, T&A, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Relevant qualification in payroll or HR (e.g. CIPP, CIPD) preferred.

Key Attributes

• Proactive and forward-thinking with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Collaborative and adaptable; works effectively across departments.
• Results-driven, well-organised, and resilient under pressure.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary: £35,000 per annum
• 50% discount at Wenzel's Stores
• Company pension scheme
• 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)
• Extra paid day off for your birthday
• Training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and career progression
• Access to a comprehensive Wellbeing Centre and 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline offering free, confidential advice

Hiring Process

• An initial phone or video interview
• A final face-to-face interview at our Head Office

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks.