Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager
Up to £65,000 per annum + 10% annual performance bonus
Manchester - hybrid working (up to 1-2 days per week from home)
Permanent

Sellick Partnership is recruiting a Payroll Manager on behalf of a well-established, commercially successful business based in Manchester with operations spanning multiple European countries. This is a senior payroll leadership role with full responsibility for a large, geographically dispersed workforce across numerous legal entities and employment models. Offering up to £65,000 plus a 10% annual performance bonus and an excellent benefits package, this is a standout opportunity for a payroll professional who is ready to lead at scale.

Overview of the Payroll Manager role:

Sitting within the regional finance leadership structure, the Payroll Manager will take end-to-end responsibility for payroll delivery across a large, geographically dispersed workforce spanning multiple countries and legal entities. You will work closely with HR, Finance, and third-party payroll providers to ensure payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly, and on time - while also driving continuous improvement across processes, systems, and ways of working. This is not a transactional payroll position. It requires someone who can lead, influence and shape a payroll function at scale.

Key responsibilities of the Payroll Manager will include:

• Taking full ownership of end-to-end monthly payroll across multiple European countries, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely delivery
• Managing relationships with outsourced payroll providers, overseeing service delivery and holding them accountable for performance
• Collaborating with HR, Finance and in-country partners to ensure payroll activity aligns with local legislation and business requirements
• Validating payroll outputs, overseeing payslip verification and supporting payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations
• Managing payroll queries end-to-end, identifying trends and driving improvements to the employee experience
• Processing off-cycle payrolls, salary adjustments and corrections as required
• Managing equity-based compensation elements within payroll, including share-related awards and the associated payroll and tax implications
• Monitoring payroll controls, identifying risks and implementing improvements to strengthen governance and efficiency
• Developing and maintaining standard operating procedures across all supported countries
• Coaching and developing team members to build a high-performing, collaborative payroll function
• Contributing to broader finance and business initiatives as a senior member of the regional finance leadership team

What we are looking for in the Payroll Manager:

• Substantial experience managing payroll across multiple European countries within a complex, multi-entity organisation - essential
• Proven track record overseeing outsourced payroll providers and managing service delivery at a regional level
• Strong knowledge of UK and European payroll legislation, compliance requirements and payroll governance
• Experience managing equity or share-based compensation within payroll and understanding the associated tax treatment
• Solid understanding of UK pension administration and reporting obligations
• Advanced Excel skills including reconciliations, data analysis and payroll reporting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
• Experience driving process improvement and operational change across complex payroll environments
• CIPP qualified or working towards - advantageous

What is on offer alongside the Payroll Manager position:

• Salary of up to £65,000 depending on experience
• Performance bonus paid annually
• Generous employer pension - up to 8% employer contribution
• Full private medical cover
• 28 days paid leave including bank holidays, with additional days for personal milestones
• A paid day each year to support a cause that matters to you
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement
• 24/7 digital GP and mental health support
• Access to a staff benefits and discounts platform covering everyday spending
• Confidential employee support line available around the clock

How to apply for the Payroll Manager position:

If you have the experience and ambition for this Payroll Manager opportunity and are ready to lead payroll at an international scale, apply today. Alternatively, contact Martin Richardson at Sellick Partnership for a confidential conversation about the role.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.