Payroll Team Leader

CVS Vets; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

6 weeks leave + buy/sell holiday

Pension matched up to 6%

Health Cash Plan

Flexible Benefits

Job summary

CVS Group is seeking a Payroll Team Leader to guide the UK payroll administration function, ensuring accurate monthly payroll delivery. You will work with the Payroll Management Team to maintain compliance, deliver high-quality service, and manage stakeholder queries.

The role combines leadership of the payroll team with collaboration across HR and Finance, plus driving improvements across processes and systems in a 3/2 hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• Experience handling high-volume UK payrolls with accuracy.
• Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Solid knowledge of UK payroll legislation and RTI.
• Familiarity with pensions, GDPR and related compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK payroll administration team for monthly payroll delivery.
• Coordinate end-to-end payroll processes and respond to payroll queries.
• Maintain compliance, SLAs and provide regular leadership reports.
• Drive process improvements and system enhancements.
• Partner with HR, Finance and auditors on payroll matters.
• Deliver payroll projects including system upgrades and mergers.

Skills

High volume payroll experience

Excel

Microsoft skills

HMRC legislation knowledge

Real Time Information

Pensions

GDPR

Attention to detail

Time management

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

If you do not possess all the skills above, we would still love to hear from you!

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• 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.