Payroll & Benefits Manager

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Manager (UK Payroll)

Location: Stoke on Trent

Reports To: Head of HR

Job Type: Full-time

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Payroll & Benefits Manager to oversee and manage all aspects of UK payroll and employee benefits programs. This role is critical in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, all statutory obligations are met, and benefits are administered efficiently and effectively. You will act as the subject matter expert on UK payroll legislation and best practices, while continuously improving payroll processes and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage end-to-end UK payroll processing on a monthly basis, including data preparation, payroll input, validation, and approvals.

Ensure accurate and timely submission of Real Time Information (RTI) reports to HMRC.

Administer company benefits including pensions (auto-enrolment and salary sacrifice schemes), private medical insurance, life assurance, and other employee perks.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax codes, NI contributions, statutory sick/maternity/paternity/adoption pay, and ensure full compliance.

Respond to payroll and benefits queries from employees, providing excellent service and support.

To maintain and ensure alignment on compensation, reporting, and year-end processes (e.g., P11D's, P60).

Liaise with external vendors, such as payroll providers and benefits brokers, as required.

Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems, implementing best practices and ensuring data integrity.

Requirements:

Proven experience managing UK payroll end-to-end

Strong knowledge of UK employment tax and statutory payroll legislation.

Experience administering UK employee benefits, including pension auto-enrolment and salary sacrifice schemes.

Proficient with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Sage, SD Worx, Moorepay, or similar) and Microsoft Excel.

High level of accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Experience of working in a HR team managing benefit schemes

Salary: £50 - £55,000 plus benefits - 4 days on site, plus one work from home day.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

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