Payroll Manager

£45,000 – £55,000 + Benefits

East Lancashire / Rossendale

4 Days a Week

We’re working exclusively with a well-established and growing business with a strong reputation in its sector.

The business is going through an exciting period of growth, with ambitious plans to double turnover over the next five years. As part of that growth, they are investing in their people, systems and infrastructure and are now looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to take full ownership of the payroll function.

This is a genuinely autonomous role with the opportunity to make a real difference to how payroll operates as the business continues to grow.

The Role

This is a standalone Payroll Manager position with responsibility for the accurate and timely delivery of payroll for a workforce of c.280 employees.

You will take full ownership of the payroll process from start to finish, working closely with Finance and HR and acting as the key point of contact for payroll across the business.

Importantly, this isn't simply a role focused on running the existing payroll. The business is looking for someone who can come in, understand how things currently operate and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and controls.

You will have genuine autonomy and the opportunity to shape the payroll function for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Full ownership of the end-to-end payroll process for c.280 employees
• Ensuring payroll is processed accurately, efficiently and on time
• Managing statutory payments, deductions, pensions and year-end payroll processes
• Ensuring full compliance with current payroll legislation and statutory requirements
• Acting as the main point of contact for payroll queries across the business
• Working closely with HR to ensure employee data, contracts and changes are accurately reflected in payroll
• Managing payroll across a varied workforce, including different contracts, shift patterns and pay structures
• Reviewing and improving payroll processes, systems and controls
• Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy and reporting
• Supporting compensation and benefits activity where required
• Assisting with audits and maintaining robust payroll records and controls
• Working closely with the senior finance team as the business continues to develop

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Manager or senior payroll professional who is comfortable taking full ownership of a standalone payroll function.

You will ideally have:

• Strong end-to-end payroll experience within a business of similar size or complexity
• Excellent knowledge of current payroll legislation, PAYE, NI, pensions and statutory requirements
• Strong payroll systems experience
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work autonomously
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience improving payroll processes, systems or controls
• The confidence to challenge existing processes and identify better ways of working
• Experience working closely with Finance and HR

Manufacturing experience would be advantageous, particularly where you have experience dealing with shift patterns, varied contracts and a sizeable operational workforce.

CIPP qualification would also be beneficial, although it isn't essential.

What’s on Offer

• £45,000 – £55,000 + Benefits
• 4-day working week
• Genuine autonomy and ownership of the payroll function
• Opportunity to improve and shape payroll processes, systems and controls
• Exposure to a growing and evolving business
• Close working relationship with senior Finance and HR stakeholders
• The opportunity to make a visible impact rather than simply maintain an existing payroll function
• Long-term opportunity to grow with the business

Why This Role?

This is a great opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who wants genuine ownership and autonomy.

You will be the key person responsible for payroll, with the freedom to improve how the function operates and introduce better processes and controls as the business grows.

The combination of a senior-level Payroll Manager position, genuine autonomy and a four-day working week makes this a particularly interesting opportunity for someone looking for their next move.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced Payroll Manager looking for a role where you can take ownership, make improvements and have a genuine impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.