Payroll Team Leader

DFS; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days holiday

Health cash plan

Pension with company contributions

Life assurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Volunteer day

Job summary

DFS Group is seeking a Payroll Team Leader in Doncaster to direct daily payroll operations, ensuring accurate, timely payments while complying with PAYE, National Insurance and pension rules. You will develop a team of payroll administrators, drive process improvements, and manage payroll system updates.

The role offers growth opportunities within DFS Group’s HR and finance functions, with a focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and efficient delivery across weekly and monthly payroll cycles.

Qualifications

• Experience leading payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance and statutory payments.
• Ability to manage weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Experience with payroll systems and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accurate and timely processing of all payrolls and related payments.
• Lead and develop a team of payroll administrators.
• Allocate resources to meet business needs and deadlines.
• Drive process improvements and automation in payroll systems.
• Test and implement new payroll functionality.
• Support the Group Payroll Manager on ad hoc projects.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, and pensions legislation.

Skills

Relationship management

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Payroll legislation

Education

CIPP qualification desirable

Tools

MHR iTrent

IRIS Cascade

Job description

Job Type: Permanent Job Sector: HR, Training Region: Yorkshire Location: Doncaster Salary Description: Competitive salary based on skills and experience Posted: 10/09/2026 Recruiter: DFS Job Ref: dfsgroup/TP/1953/680

About us

At DFS Group, we’re proud to help people create spaces they love to live in. We’re home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company: three brands with their own personalities, brought together by a shared mission.

Behind our brands is a passionate Group team. From Finance and Technology to People, Marketing and Supply Chain, our Group functions power everything we do. They create the foundations that allow our brands to thrive, innovate and grow.

Whether you’re supporting our brands or serving our customers, the mindset that connects us means we expect more of ourselves and each other. It means every customer is our favourite, every voice is valued, and every interaction is one we’re proud of.

When you’re part of a community that shares your way of thinking, the wins feel bigger. The effort feels worth it. It’s a place where people stay because they feel valued, and find room to grow because they’re challenged.

About the role

As a Payroll Team Leader you will lead the day-to-day operations of our payroll team. In this key role, you’ll ensure the timely and accurate execution of all payrolls, overseeing associated payments and compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, and pensions legislation. You’ll manage and develop a team of administrators, allocating resources effectively while driving process improvements and automation across our payroll systems.

What you’ll be responsible for

• Overseeing the accurate and timely processing of all payrolls, ensuring completion of all related payments.
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the payroll team, effectively allocating resources to meet business needs.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and automation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintaining an in-depth understanding of statutory legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, and pensions.
• Leading, training, and developing a team of payroll administrators, supporting their performance in managing weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
• Taking ownership of payroll system upgrades, testing, and implementation of new functionality.
• Providing support to the Group Payroll Manager on a range of ad hoc projects and initiatives as required.

We’re looking for someone who has

• Strong relationship management and communication (written and verbal) skills
• Proven Integrity and confidentiality
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• In-depth knowledge of statutory legislation relating to PAYE, National Insurance and Statutory Payments

Experience / Qualifications

• Effective people management skills
• 5+ years payroll experience (ideally in a retail or manufacturing environment)
• CIPP Qualification desirable
• Experience of using MHR iTrent and Iris Cascade systems desirable

Room to grow

Everyone at DFS Group begins with a structured induction designed to help you understand our brands, our culture and how we work together.

From day one, you will have access to our online Learning Hub, filled with digital courses, tools and resources to support your development.

For leaders, we offer virtual workshops focused on building confident, capable leadership. We also run skills-based workshops to strengthen core capabilities across the business.

Colleagues can also undertake nationally recognised qualifications through our apprenticeship programmes, giving you the opportunity to gain external accreditation while you grow your career with us.

Our DFS Group benefits

• 23 days holiday, plus the option to buy up to 5 more
• Enhanced Parental Leave
• Health cash plan from £2 a month, with everyday cashback
• Employee Assistance Programme for support when you need it
• Extras like flu vouchers, menopause support and health check
• Pension with company contributions
• Life assurance for peace of mind
• Sharesave scheme to save each month and invest in our future
• Structured induction from day one
• Access to our Learning Hub and skills workshops
• Leadership development and apprenticeship programmes
• 30% colleague discount, plus 15% for friends and family, three times a year
• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• SmartTech scheme to buy tech up to £1,000 through salary sacrifice
• Cycle to Work scheme for bikes and accessories up to £1,500
• Electric vehicle lease scheme with Octopus to help you save and reduce your impact
• One paid volunteering day each year

Equal opportunities

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and makes room for different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

We turn that commitment into action through colleague networks, trusted partnerships and recognised accessibility initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

If your experience does not quite match every part of the role, we’d still love to hear from you.If you need any adjustments or additional support during the application process, please contact our Talent Team at [e-mail], and we will be happy to help.