Payroll Manager

Rutherford Cross is working on an exciting opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager to join a fast-paced FMCG business with circa £130m turnover. Operating within a high-volume, low-margin and time-critical environment, the business is continuing to grow and invest in systems and process improvements to support its operational scale.

This role will suit a senior payroll professional who thrives in a hands-on environment and can combine operational excellence with continuous improvement. You will play a key role in strengthening processes and supporting the business as it evolves its systems landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-end management of weekly payroll for c.1500 employees and monthly payroll for c.200 employees
• Line management and development of a Payroll Administrator
• Lead the implementation of Sage Payroll, ensuring a smooth transition from the current system
• Work closely with HR to support the rollout of Sage HR and Learning and Development systems
• Oversee the Time and Attendance system, Deputy, ensuring accuracy across a large operational workforce
• Deliver payroll reporting and analysis to departmental heads, providing insight to support decision-making in a low-margin environment
• Ensure full compliance with payroll legislation including PAYE, NI and statutory requirements
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations for payroll control accounts
• Manage salary sacrifice schemes, including employee vehicle programmes

About You:

• Proven experience managing high-volume payroll within a fast-paced, operational or FMCG environment
• Strong systems experience, ideally including payroll implementation or system upgrades
• Comfortable working in a hands-on role with tight deadlines and changing priorities
• Process improvement mindset with the ability to drive efficiencies
• Strong attention to detail and analytical capability
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to work closely with Finance, HR and operational teams

The Opportunity:

This is a key appointment within the finance function, offering genuine scope to shape and improve payroll processes within a growing business. You will play a central role in a major systems transition while supporting a complex and high-volume workforce, making this a highly visible and impactful role.

For more information on this role, please contact Ally Deas at Rutherford Cross.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.