About the Role
As our Payroll Manager, you will lead a dedicated team of three payroll specialists, overseeing the payroll for approximately 7,000 employees across the UK and Ireland. You’ll ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, champion compliance, and drive system and process improvements to support our growing business.
This is a senior role with real impact, offering the chance to shape the future of payroll operations at Grafton.
What You’ll Do
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 3 payroll professionals, fostering high performance and continuous growth.
- Set, maintain, and drive high standards of accuracy, compliance, and customer service within the team.
- Allocate team resources effectively to meet payroll deadlines and business needs.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
Payroll Processing & Compliance
- Oversee accurate and timely monthly payroll processing for a large, multi-location workforce.
- Ensure full compliance with UK and Irish payroll legislation, tax, and statutory requirements.
- Liaise with HMRC and relevant authorities, ensuring timely and accurate statutory submissions.
- Manage all payroll elements, including overtime, bonuses, commissions, statutory leave, and pensions.
System & Process Improvement
- Drive continuous improvement in payroll systems and processes to boost efficiency and accuracy.
- Partner with HR Systems to optimise payroll technology and implement new solutions.
- Identify automation opportunities and best practices to streamline payroll operations.
Reporting & Analysis
- Produce and deliver accurate payroll and cost reports for stakeholders.
- Ensure timely processing of all statutory payments.
- Analyse payroll data, resolve discrepancies, and provide actionable insights.
Employee Support & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as an escalation point for complex payroll queries, ensuring prompt and professional resolution.
- Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, and other teams to ensure seamless payroll operations.
- Provide training and support to employees on payroll matters.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven experience as a Payroll Manager or in a similar leadership role, ideally in a large, multi-site organisation.
- In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
- Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing and motivating teams.
- Commitment to maintaining and driving high standards of accuracy, compliance, and service delivery.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
- Proficient in Excel and comfortable with a variety of payroll and reporting tools.
- Strong communicator, able to engage and influence at all levels.
Desirable
- CIPD, CIPP, or similar payroll-related qualification.
- Experience managing Irish payroll.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and adaptable: Embraces change and seeks out opportunities for innovation.
- Collaborative: Builds positive relationships across teams and business units.
- Resilient: Remains calm and accurate under pressure and tight deadlines.
- Continuous improvement mindset: Always looking for ways to enhance processes and service.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, 2 days from home
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Pension contribution matching scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Life assurance (3x salary)
- Access to an internal employee benefits platform with discounts and perks
- Enhanced family leave policy
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Ready to lead our payroll function and make a real difference?
Apply today to join our team and help us deliver best-in-class payroll services across the Group.