Payroll Operations Manager

Overview

In this role you will lead the Williams F1 Team payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely processing and strict statutory compliance. You will collaborate with People Systems, Finance and HR to optimise payroll workflows, implement governance, and support leadership with expert payroll guidance. You drive continuous improvement through AI-enabled automation and data-driven reporting in a high-performance motorsport environment. This position offers the chance to shape payroll operations at a world-renowned team and contribute to cost cap compliance and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for all employees with accuracy and timeliness
• Ensure HMRC, pension and statutory compliance and accurate calculations of pay, overtime, bonuses, allowances, deductions and statutory payments
• Oversee year-end activities (P60s, P11Ds, tax-year submissions) and future benefits payroll
• Manage payroll systems and data integrity in partnership with the People Systems team
• Maintain relations with third-party payroll providers, pension providers and auditors; act as main payroll contact for internal stakeholders
• Provide timely, accurate payroll data to Finance for budgeting, forecasting and reporting
• Establish governance frameworks, lead payroll audits, and drive AI, automation, and process improvements across payroll

Key requirements

• End-to-end payroll operations experience in a complex organisation
• Detailed knowledge of UK payroll legislation, taxation and statutory reporting
• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Proficiency in payroll systems and MS Excel
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and problem solving
• Ability to manage deadlines and perform under pressure
• Experience with AI enablement in payroll and automation tools
• Desirable: CIPP qualification; experience with payroll integrations (Workday, SAP, ADP, OSV)
• Experience in multi-site/multi-contract or unionised environments
• Experience using AI in Payroll Operations

• leadership
• stakeholder management
• attention to detail
• payroll systems
• MS Excel
• AI and automation tools

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