Payroll Manager

Our client is recruiting for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead their UK payroll operations across seven manufacturing sites. The ideal candidate will hold a CIPP qualification (or equivalent experience), possess strong UK payroll legislation knowledge, and have a proven track record of managing multi-site teams and driving process improvements within integrated HR and payroll systems.

Shifts & Salary

• Full-time, Permanent position based primarily in Wantage, Oxfordshire
• On-site / Multi-site support (supporting 7 UK manufacturing locations)
• Standard full-time operational hours (exact schedule to be agreed)
• £55,000 – £65,000 DOE

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Compliance Management

• Oversee full end-to-end processing for seven UK payrolls covering around 1,100 staff, handling salary reviews, bonuses, pensions, statutory pay, and tax year-end procedures.
• Ensure complete adherence to HMRC legislation, statutory reporting, and SOX compliance standards.
• Direct payroll accounting, including ledger reconciliations, journal entries, and managing control accounts.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact for external auditors, HMRC, and third-party software vendors.

Team Leadership & Process Optimisation

• Line-manage, mentor, and upskill a dedicated team comprising an Assistant Payroll
• Manager and Payroll Administrators.
• Partner with Finance, HR, and site leadership to maintain robust operational alignment across the business.
• Identify efficiencies, streamline workflows, and lead system automation and continuous improvement projects.

Key Requirements

• Significant track record heading up in-house payroll functions within medium-to-large multi-site organizations (manufacturing sector experience and familiarity with
• Cintra software are highly advantageous).
• CIPP accreditation or equivalent extensive payroll management experience.
• Deep understanding of UK payroll law, statutory requirements, audit protocols, and integrated HR/payroll platforms.
• A proactive, highly organized leader with exceptional communication skills, resilient under pressure, and trusted to handle confidential data with complete discretion.

If you are interested in this role and fit the criteria specified above, please apply with your CV attached and answer all relevant questions.

At Cogent Staffing, we are committed to ethical recruitment practices and fostering an inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity enriches our teams and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively.

We ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias, promoting equal opportunities for all applicants.