Assistant Payroll Manager - Permanent - based in Northampton NN4

Job Purpose:

We are seeking an Assistant Payroll Manager to support the continued growth of our Payroll team. Reporting directly to the Payroll Manager, you will play a key role in managing the day-to-day payroll operations, ensuring all employee payments are processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with internal policies and current legislation.

A significant part of your role will involve supporting and developing the payroll team through training, mentoring, and promoting a collaborative, service-focused culture. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll systems and processes, while staying informed of industry developments and best practices.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the end-to-end delivery of payroll, with direct responsibility for two team members
• Oversee monthly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with statutory obligations
• Support annual payroll activities including P11Ds, PSA submissions, and year-end processes
• Act as a key liaison across departments to resolve payroll-related queries effectively and professionally
• Collaborate with the Payroll Manager to gather feedback and enhance service delivery
• Provide day-to-day support, training, and guidance to payroll staff to encourage professional growth
• Ensure data integrity through the review and validation of payroll calculations, deductions, and reconciliations
• Stay current with HMRC legislation, pensions, and payroll compliance requirements
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and other teams to ensure smooth data flow and reporting accuracy
• Contribute to ongoing payroll system enhancements and support testing of upgrades and new features

• Proven experience managing payroll within a large, complex organisation
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of supervising and developing payroll teams
• In-depth knowledge of statutory payroll regulations, auto-enrolment pensions, and HMRC compliance
• Practical experience working with both in-house and outsourced payroll functions
• Sound understanding of payroll and HR system integrations and cross-functional processes

• Competitive bonus scheme
• Private medical healthcare
• Save-as-you-earn scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Colleague discount
• Access to a comprehensive discounts platform (including savings at major retailers, gym membership offers, and cycle-to-work scheme)