Payroll Specialist - Europe

Carbery Group; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is seeking a Payroll Specialist – Europe to manage end-to-end payroll across the UK and Italy. You will ensure on-time, accurate payroll in line with local legislation, collaborating with HR, Finance, and external payroll providers to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Join a team focused on compliant payroll operations, process improvements, and data protection, supporting budgeting and forecasting with accurate reporting and auditable records.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll, ideally in a multi-site or international organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments.
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for the UK and Italy, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.
• Process payroll changes (new starters, leavers, salary adjustments, benefits, statutory payments).
• Review and reconcile payroll data (time and attendance, overtime, deductions).
• Ensure compliance with UK and Italian payroll legislation and internal controls.
• Collaborate with external payroll providers, HR and Finance to resolve queries.
• Monitor payroll costs, investigate variances, provide reporting for budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

UK payroll legislation

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Tools

ADP

Workday

Time & Attendance systems

Job description

Company Overview

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry—we’re a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods.

We believe great flavor starts with great people. That’s why we’re committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

Your Role in Synergy’s Success

As a Payroll Specialist – Europe, you will play a key role in ensuring our employees across the UK and Italy are paid accurately, on time and in line with local payroll legislation.

Working within our Finance team, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll process, working closely with HR, Finance, operational managers and external payroll providers.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to take ownership of regional payroll operations, improve processes and systems, and contribute to an efficient and compliant payroll function.

How You Will Contribute

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for the UK and Italy, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.
• Process payroll changes, including new starters, leavers, salary adjustments, benefits and statutory payments.
• Review and reconcile payroll data, including time and attendance, overtime, deductions and provider outputs.
• Ensure compliance with UK and Italian payroll legislation, company policies and internal controls.
• Work closely with external payroll providers, HR and Finance to resolve queries and ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Monitor payroll costs, investigate variances and provide accurate reporting to support budgeting and forecasting.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, documentation and audit evidence, ensuring confidentiality and data protection.
• Support payroll system improvements and process efficiencies across ADP, Workday and Time & Attendance systems.
• Act as the regional payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance and support to employees and managers.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll accuracy, efficiency and the overall employee experience.

Key Ingredients for Success

Essential

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll, ideally within a multi-site or international organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments.
• Knowledge of Italian payroll processes and requirements.
• Experience working with outsourced payroll providers.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using payroll and HR systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage deadlines, maintain confidentiality and work independently.

Desirable

• CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification.
• Experience using ADP, Workday and Time & Attendance systems.
• Experience supporting payroll audits, system implementations or process improvement projects.
• Experience within a multinational organisation.
• Italian language skills would be advantageous but are not essential.

Our Commitment to our People

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.