Full job descriptionPayroll Manager – 6 months temporary cover
Near Chippenham | Hybrid working
Reed Accountancy & Finance are supporting a well-established UK organisation in the search for an experienced Payroll Manager to join their Finance function on a 6-month temporary contract.
The Role:
The Payroll Manager will take full responsibility for the accurate and timely delivery of monthly payroll and pension activities across multiple UK rail subsidiaries. The position is hands-on and requires strong technical payroll and pensions knowledge, alongside the ability to manage an outsourced payroll provider (ADP) and liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
*End-to-end management and validation of monthly payroll for 1,000+ employees across multiple sites and contract types
*Day-to-day management of the outsourced payroll provider, ensuring accuracy, compliance and service levels
*Processing and reconciliation of payroll data, working closely with HR to validate all payroll inputs
*Full responsibility for the company pension scheme, including auto-enrolment and regulatory compliance
*Liaison with pension trustees, actuaries and third-party providers
*Production and maintenance of payroll reporting, including overtime and payroll reconciliations
*Monitoring and implementing payroll, pension and legislative changes
*Supporting continuous improvement of payroll processes and controls
Skills & Experience Required:
*Proven payroll management experience, ideally processing monthly payrolls for 500+ employees across multiple sites
*Strong pensions knowledge, including auto-enrolment
*Experience using large-scale payroll systems (ADP highly desirable) and interfacing with ERP systems
*Advanced Excel skills and exceptional attention to detail
*Confident communicator with the ability to build strong relationships with internal teams and external providers
*Strong problem-solving skills and sound understanding of HR and payroll compliance
*Accounting knowledge would be advantageous but not essential
Qualifications:
*Degree qualified or equivalent practical experience
*CIPP qualification (or working towards) is advantageous
What’s on Offer:
*6-month temporary cover
*Competitive salary, dependent on experience
*Hybrid working arrangement
*Opportunity to step into a senior, high-impact payroll role within a complex organisation
*Exposure to specialist pension and stakeholder management activity