Payroll Manager

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Payroll Manager to join our team and take ownership of the company's payroll function. This is a strategically important role responsible for managing multiple payrolls across a diverse and expanding group of companies, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for all employees. The successful candidate will lead payroll operations across several business units and play a key role in integrating newly acquired companies into existing payroll systems and processes. As the organisation continues to expand, the Payroll Manager will drive payroll harmonisation, process improvements, system implementation projects, and ensure seamless transitions during acquisitions and organisational change. This role would suit an experienced payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing complexity, and can combine operational excellence with strategic planning. Key Responsibilities: Payroll Management Manage end-to-end payroll processing across multiple payrolls, entities, locations, and employee groups. Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately and on time in accordance with payroll schedules. Oversee weekly and monthly payroll cycles where applicable. Validate and approve payroll calculations including salaries, overtime, bonuses, commissions, statutory payments, deductions, and pension contributions. Reconcile payroll reports and ensure payroll journals are accurately submitted to Finance. Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, National Minimum Wage requirements, pension auto-enrolment legislation, and employment law. Manage year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds where applicable, and payroll reporting obligations. Compliance & Governance Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, statutory payments, and reporting requirements. Ensure robust payroll controls and audit procedures are in place. Manage relationships with HMRC, pension providers, benefits providers, and payroll software vendors. Prepare payroll data and reports for internal and external audits. Ensure GDPR compliance and confidentiality of employee payroll information. Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and process documentation. Systems & Process Improvement Act as the payroll systems lead and subject matter expert. Drive payroll automation and continuous improvement initiatives. Support payroll software upgrades, system enhancements, and integrations with HR and Finance platforms. Analyse payroll performance metrics and identify efficiency improvements. Develop scalable payroll processes capable of supporting future acquisitions and business growth. Team Leadership Lead, develop, and support the payroll team. Allocate workloads and ensure service levels are achieved. Conduct performance reviews and identify training and development needs. Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and customer service excellence. Provide expert payroll guidance to managers and employees across the business. Stakeholder Management Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries and escalations. Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, Operations, and senior leadership teams. Provide payroll reporting, analysis, and insights to support business decision-making. Support organisational change projects relating to workforce growth, acquisitions, and restructuring activities. Skills, Experiences & Qualifications: Proven experience managing multiple payrolls within a medium to large organisation. Previous experience leading payroll functions across multiple business entities or locations. Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, and statutory payments. Experience of payroll integration projects, acquisitions, mergers, or TUPE transfers. Excellent knowledge of payroll systems and payroll software. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Experience leading and developing payroll teams What we offer A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package that reflects the importance of this role A company that genuinely prioritises employee wellbeing, creating a supportive and inclusive working environment Clear opportunities for career progression and professional development within a successful and growing business with exciting future plans About Us We are MARCH . The leading provider of critical engineering services. Supporting the industries we all rely on to improve their infrastructure, process, and digital environments. We work together with our customers to maintain business continuity, optimise output, and drive new standards in productivity, reliability, and sustainability. We help deliver operational resilience, increased performance, and better environmental outcomes, across the board. Why March? Progress is People. MARCH has ambitious plans and central to our future growth is attracting, developing and retaining the very best talent. Whether your role is onsite or office-based, engineering or support, we offer opportunities for all our people to develop their careers and maximise their potential. MARCH is committed to building teams that reflect a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe diverse thinking strengthens engineering, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let the team know.