Payroll Specialist

Job Description

Title: Payroll Specialist
Reports to: Head of People
Direct Reports: None
Salary: £37,000 per annum

Role Purpose

The Payroll & People Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of all payroll processing and the ongoing development and administration of compensation and benefits across Wenzels.
This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can manage end-to-end payroll operations, support strategic HR initiatives, and ensure full compliance with statutory obligations.
Additionally, the role provides analytical insights and recommendations to support the People function in maintaining a competitive and compliant total reward offering.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Payroll

- Manage monthly payroll processing accurately and in line with statutory deadlines.

- Complete monthly PAYE and NI reconciliations, ensuring timely payment preparation.

- Manage submissions for salary sacrifice schemes and liaise with agencies on Attachment of Earnings and Court Orders.

- Ensure Benefit in Kind items are accurately recorded and reported through P11D and PSA submissions.

- Maintain compliance with payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.

- Lead preparation of the monthly Payroll KPI Dashboard.

- Forecast and plan future payroll requirements through data analysis and reporting.

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to deliver payroll and compliance projects effectively.

- Provide expert advice on complex payroll and compliance matters.

- Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and accuracy.

- Act as a subject matter expert for payroll, compliance, and benefits, supporting HR and Finance.

- Complete ONS submissions and Gender Pay Gap reporting as required.

Compensation & Benefits

- Partner with the People team to design and maintain fair and competitive compensation and bonus structures.

- Assist with job analysis and compensation classification exercises.

- Evaluate the effectiveness of benefit packages using employee feedback and benchmarking data.

- Liaise with brokers and benefit vendors to ensure smooth service delivery.

- Identify trends and patterns in compensation and benefits to maintain competitiveness.

- Conduct research to inform benefit programme improvements.

- Work with Finance to ensure accurate and timely P11D submissions.

- Support benchmarking and evaluation of existing benefit plans.

General Responsibilities

All employees are expected to:

- Uphold Wenzel’s mission, values, and professional standards.

- Comply with company policies, procedures, and legal/regulatory requirements.

- Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.

- Contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

- Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive approach to achieving business goals.

- Undertake additional tasks or projects as required by business needs.

Skills & Experience

- Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll for a medium or large organisation.

- In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, taxation, and compliance.

- Experience managing compensation and benefits programmes, including vendor liaison.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret data and provide insights.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- High attention to detail and accuracy; able to manage multiple priorities.

- Advanced proficiency in HRIS, T&A, payroll systems, and Microsoft Excel.

- Relevant qualification in payroll or HR (e.g. CIPP, CIPD) preferred.

Key Attributes

- Proactive and forward-thinking with a continuous improvement mindset.

- Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.

- Collaborative and adaptable; works effectively across departments.

- Results-driven, well-organised, and resilient under pressure.

What We Offer

- Competitive salary: £35,000 per annum

- 50% discount at Wenzel's Stores

- Company pension scheme

- 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)

- Extra paid day off for your birthday

- Training and development opportunities, including apprenticeships and career progression

- Access to a comprehensive Wellbeing Centre and 24/7 Employee Assistance Helpline offering free, confidential advice

Hiring Process

The hiring process will include:

- An initial phone or video interview

- A final face-to-face interview at our Head Office

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks.