Senior Pay Roll and Benefits Manager in London - Harnham - Data & Analytics Recruitment

SENIOR PAYROLL AND BENEFITS MANAGER

LONDON

HYBRID

£500 TO £550 PER DAY

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.

The Company

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.

The Role and Deliverables

• Lead and own the end-to-end Payroll & Benefits function, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely delivery across multiple employing entities.
• Act as the senior Payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance on payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, statutory requirements and complex employee queries.
• Strengthen governance, controls and audit readiness, overseeing payroll reconciliations, statutory reporting, year-end activities and risk management.
• Manage relationships with payroll and benefits providers, ensuring service excellence, regulatory compliance and value for money.
• Lead payroll-related projects including system enhancements, process automation, organisational change initiatives, acquisitions and legislative updates.
• Provide leadership across the Payroll & Benefits function, partnering with key stakeholders across HR, Finance and the wider business to deliver a high-performing service.

Your Skills & Experience

• Strong expertise in UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, pensions, statutory payments and payroll compliance.
• Proven ability to lead payroll operations within a complex, multi-entity organisation.
• Experience providing strategic leadership, governance and operational oversight within a Payroll & Benefits function.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, Finance teams and external providers.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll and benefits suppliers, including service reviews and governance activities.
• Demonstrated success delivering payroll transformation, system implementations, process improvements or automation initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, manage risk and support informed business decisions.
• Experience supporting organisational change, payroll integrations, restructures or business transformation projects.
• CIPP qualification, or working towards one, is advantageous.