Payroll Specialist - Europe

Synergy Flavours Ltd; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavours Ltd, part of the Carbery Group, is seeking a Payroll Specialist – Europe to own UK and Italy payroll processes. You will work with HR, Finance and external providers to ensure accurate, timely payments in line with local legislation.

The role focuses on payroll lifecycle management, system improvements, and delivering compliant payroll operations across regions. Collaboration and confidentiality are essential in this global function.

Qualifications

• Proven end-to-end payroll experience, ideally multi-site or international.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation (PAYE, NI, pensions).
• Knowledge of Italian payroll processes and requirements.
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers.
• Strong Excel and payroll systems experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and data confidentiality.
• Ability to collaborate with HR, Finance and external providers.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll process for UK and Italy.
• Process payroll changes: starters, leavers, salary adjustments, benefits and statutory payments.
• Review and reconcile payroll data, including time and attendance, deductions, and provider outputs.
• Ensure compliance with UK and Italian payroll legislation and internal controls.
• Work with external payroll providers, HR and Finance to resolve queries.
• Maintain payroll records and audit evidence to support controls.
• Support payroll system improvements and process efficiencies (ADP, Workday, Time & Attendance).
• Act as regional payroll SME and provide guidance to employees and managers.

Skills

UK payroll

Italian payroll

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Education

CIPP or equivalent

Tools

ADP

Workday

Time & Attendance

Job description

Company Overview

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. Across our global organisation, we employ 1000 people in 8 countries – and we are growing. From production specialists to R&D experts, finance, quality, digital, marketing, sales and so much more, see what opportunities await you with Carbery and Synergy.