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Posted 07 August, 2026

Senior Pay Roll and Benefits Manager

Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment
London, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

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\n SENIOR PAYROLL AND BENEFITS MANAGER\n
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\n LONDON\n
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\n HYBRID\n
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\n £500 TO £550 PER DAY\n
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\n This is an excellent opportunity to lead a critical Payroll & Benefits function within a large and complex organisation. You'll act as the senior subject matter expert, driving compliance, governance and continuous improvement while ensuring an outstanding service for employees and stakeholders across the business.\n
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\n The Company\n
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\n They are a well-established media organisation with a diverse workforce and multiple employing entities across the UK and Europe. Operating in a fast-paced environment, they are committed to delivering high-quality people services while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and governance. As part of a wider transformation and continuous improvement agenda, they are investing in the development and enhancement of their Payroll & Benefits function.\n
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\n The Role and Deliverables\n
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  • Lead and own the end-to-end Payroll & Benefits function, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely delivery across multiple employing entities.
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  • Act as the senior Payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance on payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, statutory requirements and complex employee queries.
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  • Strengthen governance, controls and audit readiness, overseeing payroll reconciliations, statutory reporting, year-end activities and risk management.
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  • Manage relationships with payroll and benefits providers, ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance and value for money.
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  • Lead payroll-related projects including system enhancements, process automation, organisational change initiatives, acquisitions and legislative updates.
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  • Provide leadership across the Payroll & Benefits function, partnering with key stakeholders across HR, Finance and the wider business to deliver a high-performing service.
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\n Your Skills & Experience\n
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  • Strong expertise in UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, pensions, statutory payments and payroll compliance.
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  • Proven ability to lead payroll operations within a complex, multi-entity organisation.
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  • Experience providing strategic leadership, governance and operational oversight within a Payroll & Benefits function.
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  • Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, Finance teams and external providers.
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  • Experience managing outsourced payroll and benefits suppliers, including service reviews and governance activities.
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  • Demonstrated success delivering payroll transformation, system implementations, process improvements or automation initiatives.
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  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, manage risk and support informed business decisions.
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  • Experience supporting organisational change, payroll integrations, restructures or business transformation projects.
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  • CIPP qualification, or working towards one, is advantageous.
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