Senior Payroll Analyst (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

Contract: Fixed Term - Maternity CoverLocation: Midlands-Based with Hybrid Working

Are you an experienced Payroll Analyst looking for a rewarding fixed-term opportunity? We're partnering with a large national organisation seeking a confident and knowledgeable Senior Payroll Analyst to join their central payroll function for a 12-month contract.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can manage multiple payrolls projects, and enjoys being a key technical reference point within a payroll team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary escalation point for specialists dealing with complex queries
• Ensure a consistent, high-quality payroll service across the team
• Oversee manual statutory payment calculations (e.g., SMP, SPP, SAP, SHPP) and ensure compliance
• Complete month-end and year-end payroll reconciliations, supporting statutory reporting
• Review pension submissions and ensure accurate formatting and reconciliation
• Work with the Payroll Manager to plan for legislative updates and system changes
• Support onboarding and training of new team members
• Identify and address any salary-sacrifice-related NMW issues
• Assist with annual planning, including system upgrade testing and process adjustments
• Review and anticipate legislative impacts on payroll operations
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies and out-of-balance accounts
• Liaise with external agencies on complex payroll matters
• Provide payroll expertise for TUPE transfers in and out of the organisation
• Support ongoing development and testing of payroll contingency plans
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements

What you'll need to succeed:

• 3-5 years' experience in payroll, including end-to-end processing
• CIPP qualification (or equivalent) - desirable
• Experience with large-scale or enterprise payroll systems
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements
• Understanding of occupational pension schemes
• Ability to manage compliance across multiple payrolls
• Project management awareness and ability to plan long-term changes
• Excellent customer service skills and strong communication
• Collaborative approach with leadership ability
• Intermediate Excel skills

What's on offer:

• 25 days annual leave + option to buy more
• High-street discounts and employee perks
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Workplace pension
• Hybrid working, supportive team, and strong development culture

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.