UK Payroll Lead / Manager

One to One personnel Limited; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Payroll Lead/Manager to oversee payroll operations for UK employees. The role involves managing payroll accuracy for multiple pay groups, liaising with payroll providers, and leading HRIS projects. Candidates should have a solid understanding of UK payroll legislation, excellent Excel skills, and experience with expat payroll. The position is hybrid based in Basildon, offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to lead projects

Qualifications

• Experience with expat payroll and international transfers.
• Proven track record in full cycle payroll and benefits administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage end to end payroll for 4 pay groups.
• Liaise with external payroll provider and handle queries.
• Oversee payroll for international transfers and expats.
• Administer employee self-service portal and produce reports.
• Support benefits administration and manage UK insurances.
• Act as UK Project Manager for HRIS and payroll migrations.

Skills

UK payroll legislation knowledge

Excel skills

Analytical mindset

Third-party supplier management

Tools

PayEscape

SAP/Oracle HR

Darwin benefits platform

Job description

UK Payroll Lead / Manager

Basildon (Hybrid – 2 days office-based) | Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £54,000 – £65,000PA

Are you a payroll expert with a passion for precision and compliance? We’re looking for an Experienced Payroll Adviser to take full ownership of payroll operations for UK based employees and international secondees. This is a fantastic opportunity to manage a mix of in-house and outsourced payroll processes, oversee benefits platforms, and lead key HRIS projects.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage end to end payroll for 4 pay groups (approx. 300 employees), ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Liaise with external payroll provider (PayEscape) and handle queries, calculations, and reporting.
• Oversee payroll for international transfers and expat employees, ensuring tax and housing allowance compliance.
• Administer employee self-service portal and produce month/year end reports for Finance, HR, and auditors.
• Support benefits administration via Darwin and manage UK insurances across group companies.
• Maintain HRIS systems linked to payroll and benefits (Concur, Barclaycard, Darwin).
• Act as UK Project Manager for HRIS and payroll system migrations, ensuring timelines and KPIs are met.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong operational knowledge of UK payroll legislation and manual calculations.
• Experience with expat payroll and international transfers.
• Proven track record in full cycle payroll and benefits administration.
• Excellent Excel skills and analytical mindset.
• Ability to manage third-party suppliers and stakeholders effectively.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid model (Basildon office 2 days per week).

Desirable:

• Experience with PayEscape, SAP/Oracle HR, Darwin benefits platform.
• Payroll system migration and process redesign experience.

Why Apply?

• Be part of a collaborative HR team driving innovation and efficiency.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead projects and shape future payroll processes.

Ready to take ownership and make an impact? Apply now!

To apply, contact Aimee or Julie at One to One Personnel on 01702 46 44 44, or send your CV directly to [e-mail] or [e-mail]