Payroll Team Lead

CVS Group UK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks annual leave

Pension matched up to 6%

Health cash plan

Flexible benefits

Job summary

CVS Group is seeking a Payroll Team Leader to head our UK payroll, ensuring accurate and timely monthly processing and high service standards. You will lead the payroll administration team, coordinate with HR and Finance, and support audits with stakeholders.

This hybrid role is based in Diss/Cambridge/Manchester/Bristol, with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home. The ideal candidate has high-volume payroll experience, strong Excel and Microsoft skills, and up-to-date knowledge of HMRC

Qualifications

• Experience leading UK payroll teams with high volume processing.
• Strong knowledge of HMRC rules, RTI and pension schemes.
• Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office with detail-oriented approach.
• Ability to manage time and prioritise tasks under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK payroll administration team, coaching and developing staff.
• Oversee end-to-end UK payroll processing and timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance, reporting and SLA adherence across payroll.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and audits as the main payroll contact.
• Manage payroll projects including system changes and integrations.

Skills

Payroll experience

Excel

HMRC legislation

Real Time Information (RTI)

Pensions

GDPR

Attention to detail

Time management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Payroll software

Job description

Join CVS Group, where it's in our nature to care, support, learn and progress, as a Payroll Team Leader.

Opportunities for the successful applicant to be based in any of the following 4 areas: Diss/Cambridge/Manchester/Bristol

Summary of the role:

In this role, you'll lead our Payroll Administration team to ensure the smooth, accurate and timely delivery of the monthly UK payroll. You'll oversee key payroll processes, support high‑level payroll tasks and help drive a professional, reliable service for all colleagues.

Working closely with the Payroll Management Team, you'll coordinate all aspects of employee pay and benefits, ensuring compliance, consistency and great customer service. You'll also be a trusted point of support for payroll‑related queries from teams across the business, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

This role is a hybrid position working 3 days a week from the office and 2 days from home

Key responsibilities:

• Team Leadership - manage and develop the UK payroll team, providing coaching, feedback, and ongoing training to support high performance and engagement.
• Payroll Management - oversee end‑to‑end UK payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. Resolve complex payroll queries efficiently.
• Compliance & Reporting - maintain strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, ensure adherence to policies and SLAs, and produce regular reports for senior leadership.
• Process & Systems Improvement - Drive continuous improvement, champion positive team culture, and identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance systems.
• Stakeholder Collaboration - partner closely with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth payroll operations and be the main point of contact for internal/external audits.
• Project Delivery - lead payroll-related projects including system upgrades, policy changes, and service enhancements, and support payroll integration during mergers and acquisitions.

Skills and experienced required:

• High volume payroll experience
• Strong excel and good Microsoft skills
• Up to date working knowledge of HMRC legislation
• Up to date working knowledge of Real Time Information, Pensions, GDPR
• Attention to detail with a pragmatic approach to query resolution
• Good time management and planning skills

• Generous Leave: Start with 6 weeks of leave per year, as well as a buy/sell holiday scheme
• Pension Scheme: Enjoy a pension matched up to 6%.
• Health Cash Plan: Save on everyday health treatments.
• Flexible Benefits: Access discounted gym memberships, cycle to work scheme, and more.

At CVS Group, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work. Join us and be a vital part of our mission to prioritize the well‑being of pets everywhere.