Payroll Manager

Role Description The Payroll Manager is responsible for leading and managing the end-to-end payroll function for all UK employees.

This role will lead and continuously enhance UK payroll operations, taking full ownership of the end-to-end payroll lifecycle to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely delivery across all processes. Leveraging technical expertise and leadership capability to act as a trusted subject matter expert to all Stakeholders.

The position plays a critical role in maintaining payroll integrity, driving continuous improvement, ensuring legislative compliance, and delivering an excellent employee experience.

Dimensions:

• Manage the full payroll cycle for approximately 3000 UK colleagues across 13 sites
• Third party management: Including HMRC, Pension Providers, Law Courts, Trade Unions, Voluntary bodies
• Key stakeholders include wider People Operations team (People Services and Systems & Reporting) and wider People team (Recruitment, Site HR teams and L&D, Finance, Audit, Grade 7 & 8’s

Principal Responsibilities Payroll Operations

• Manage the full payroll cycle for:
• Weekly payroll (high-volume, shift-based workforce)
• Monthly payroll (salaried and management population)
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of wages, salaries, overtime, bonuses, and deductions
• Oversee payroll inputs including time worked, shift premiums, attendance data, and variable pay
• Perform payroll validation, reconciliation, and approval processes
• Review all payroll processing prior to BACS payments and statutory HMRC submission
• Final point of escalation for complex calculations/queries, finding resolution
• Administer and manage pension schemes ensuring compliance

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations, statutory requirements, and UK employment legislation
• Manage statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.) and deductions (tax, NI, pensions, AEOs)
• Oversee year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds, and submissions to HMRC
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and ensure changes are implemented effectively
• Lead internal and external audit processes related to payroll

Manage Payroll Software

• Manage and optimise payroll systems (e.g., ERP, time & attendance systems)
• Ensure integration between payroll, HR, and time-recording systems
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and automation
• Lead payroll-related projects (system upgrades, transformations, process redesign)

People Management & Efficiency

• Lead, develop, and manage the payroll team
• Set clear objectives and performance standards
• Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities
• Ensure adequate resourcing during peak payroll cycles

Reporting and Analysis

• Produce payroll reports, reconciliations, and analytics for Finance and senior leadership
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis (labour costs, overtime trends, etc.)
• Monitor payroll KPIs and identify areas of risk or inefficiency

Project Work & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and deliver payroll-related projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and migrations
• Support wider business transformation initiatives impacting payroll (e.g., changes to shift structures, harmonisation of terms, organisational restructures)
• Drive continuous improvement across payroll processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
• Identify and implement automation opportunities to reduce manual intervention and risk
• Develop and maintain project plans, ensuring delivery within scope, timelines, and budget
• Conduct impact assessments for legislative or business changes affecting payroll
• Champion best practice and standardisation across multiple sites

Role Requirements Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• CIPP qualification (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) or equivalent
• Degree in Finance, Business, HR, or related field (preferred but not essential)
• Proven experience managing payroll in a large, complex organisation (ideally 1,000+ employees)
• Strong experience handling both weekly and monthly payrolls
• Experience within manufacturing, industrial, or multi-site environments is highly desirable
• Demonstrable experience of managing high-volume, variable payrolls (e.g., shift work, overtime)
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements
• Experience with payroll systems (we currently use One Advanced)
• Familiarity with time & attendance systems and shift-based pay structures
• Advanced Excel skills (reconciliations, analysis, reporting)
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical ability
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong leadership and people management capability
• Continuous improvement mindset
• High integrity and commitment to confidentiality
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach
• Ability to influence and drive change

Competencies: Competency Competent Developed Advanced Business Awareness X

Communication & Influencing X

Planning & Organising X

Creativity & Innovation X

Working with People X

Leading a Team X

Benefits:

• Car Parking Pass
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Your Birthday Off
• 14.5% Pension - 5% Employee opt in / 9.5% Employer
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Life Assurance Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities

Country United Kingdom

Location Liverpool

Business Area Operations

Workplace Type Hybrid

About Princes The Princes Group has over 7,000 employees with offices and production sites in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, France and Mauritius. Princes manufactures 350 different food and drink products responsibly sourced and enjoyed by consumers every day. None of this would be possible without striving to be an employer of choice, where our colleagues are proud to represent our business.

Benefits:

• Car Parking Pass
• 25 Days Annual Leave plus Your Birthday Off
• 14.5% Pension - 5% Employee opt in / 9.5% Employer
• Enhanced Family Friendly & Carers Policies
• Life Assurance Cover
• Private Medical Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Learning & Development Opportunities