Payroll & Benefits Manager

Job Title: The Payroll and Benefits Manager

The Payroll and Benefits Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the payroll process for the business. This role ensures timely and accurate payroll processing, compliance with regulatory requirements, and effective administration.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills, focusing on enhancing customer experience and organisational efficiency.

What you'll be doing as a Payroll and Benefits Manager

1. Stay up to date and ensure compliance with finance legislation such as working hours, minimum wage, and general payroll regulations.
2. Oversee the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate payroll for all employees.
3. Manage third-party providers involved in payroll operations, such as external payroll service providers and debt collection agencies.
4. Lead and manage the payroll team, ensuring they deliver and challenge existing processes to drive best-in-class performance.
5. Manage complex cases and escalations by providing thorough, detailed responses and implementing proactive measures to prevent recurrence.
6. Develop the skills of the payroll team, ensuring they understand HR policies, processes, and employment law.
7. Ensure full compliance with internal controls, HMRC requirements, and data protection legislation.

Location and Working Pattern

Base Location: Hybrid - Clear Water Court Reading.

Working Pattern: 36 hours, Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role Essential

• Experience in leadership, managing a payroll team in a large organisation.
• Strong relationship-building and collaborative working skills to enhance team performance.
• Experience managing third-party providers to ensure service levels are met.
• Excellent technical payroll knowledge.
• Good organisational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

• Associate member (Level 5) of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience with the ServiceNow case management system.
• Foundation degree in Payroll Management from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Proficiency in SAP HR.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary up to £60,000 per annum, based on experience.
• Annual Leave: 26 days, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Contributory pension - Defined Contribution, up to 12% with 2x employee contribution.
• Annual Personal Medical Assessments.
• Benefits scheme including offers and wellbeing support.

Who are we?

At Thames Water, our purpose is to deliver life's essential service to help our customers, communities, and the planet thrive. We are committed to sustainable water management amidst climate challenges and aim to be a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Working at Thames Water

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds. We also offer support during recruitment and opportunities to support our customers directly, including frontline ambassador roles.

Note: Due to high application volumes, the advert may close early. We encourage early applications.