Payroll & Benefits Manager

Company: Hunter Savage
Apply for the Payroll & Benefits Manager
Location: Belfast
Job Description:

We are hiring for our client, a well-established and growing organisation, to appoint a Payroll & Benefits Manager to take ownership of payroll delivery and employee benefits across the business.

This Payroll & Benefits Manager opportunity is ideal for an experienced payroll professional looking to step into a role with genuine responsibility, visibility and influence. You will oversee payroll operations across multiple business areas, including both in-house and outsourced arrangements, while also taking ownership of employee benefits and payroll governance.

The role goes beyond day-to-day processing. As Payroll & Benefits Manager, you will act as the subject matter expert across payroll, pensions and benefits, working closely with Finance, HR, senior stakeholders and external providers to ensure accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.

Top 3 Things to Know About This Job

  • Senior payroll opportunity with ownership across payroll, pensions and benefits.
  • Mix of operational management, compliance, analysis and continuous improvement.
  • High-profile role working closely with Finance, HR and senior stakeholders.
  • The Role

    * Manage the delivery of group payrolls across in-house and outsourced arrangements* Oversee payroll data, processing, reconciliations and final authorisation* Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and relevant regulations* Manage relationships with external payroll and benefits providers* Oversee pensions, healthcare, life assurance and salary sacrifice arrangements* Lead payroll audits, reconciliations and year-end activities* Produce payroll reporting and analysis to support business decision-making* Provide payroll cost analysis to support budgeting and forecasting* Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and systems* Monitor payroll accuracy, recurring issues and compliance requirements* Act as the internal subject matter expert on payroll, pensions and benefits* Provide guidance to employees, managers and senior stakeholders

    The Person

    * Minimum 5 years’ payroll experience, including management or supervisory responsibility* CIPP Level 4 Payroll Specialist Certificate or equivalent essential* Experience managing both in-house and outsourced payroll* Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pensions* Experience with employee benefits and salary sacrifice schemes* Advanced Excel and payroll/HRIS systems experience* Strong analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills* Excellent attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality* Proactive approach to process improvement and compliance

    The Rewards

    * Competitive salary, dependent on experience* Senior position with genuine ownership and influence* Opportunity to shape payroll processes and controls* Broad exposure across Finance, HR and senior leadership* Professional and collaborative working environment* Excellent long-term career opportunity

    Next Steps

    For further information and to apply for this Payroll & Benefits Manager role, please contact Nuala at Hunter Savage.

    Expert, confidential recruitment advice.

    Salary is usually negotiable and details listed are intended as a guide based on experience and expertise.

    Skills:payroll manager benefits manager senior payroll

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    Posted: November 12th, 2026