Payroll & Benefits Specialist; Maternity Cover

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Date:
Oct 19, 2026

Location:

London - Hybrid, LND, GB

Company Brand:
Mc Larens

Job Summary

The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is responsible for the accurate, compliant and efficient delivery of payroll, pension and benefits administration across multiple legal entities and jurisdictions. The role ensures that all payrolls are processed accurately and on time, statutory obligations are met, employee benefits are administered effectively, and data is maintained to the highest standard.

The position acts as the subject matter expert for payroll and benefits, working closely with HR, Finance, external payroll providers, pension and benefit providers, in addition to advising employees across multiple business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for multiple entities across the UK and Ireland.
• Coordinate payroll activities with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare, validate and reconcile monthly payroll data.
• Ensure payrolls are processed in accordance with agreed payroll calendars and statutory deadlines.
• Administer payroll changes and review payroll outputs for accuracy and validation.
• Manage year-end payroll activities and statutory reporting requirements.
• Maintain payroll records and audit trails in line with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• Manage submissions to pension providers and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure payroll and benefits processes remain compliant.
• Support internal and external audit requests relating to payroll, pensions and benefits.
• Ensure all statutory deadlines are met accurately and on time.
• Administer a broad portfolio of employee benefits including but not limited to pension, private medical insurance, salary sacrifice vehicle and cycle to work schemes.
• Manage relationships with benefits providers, pension advisers, brokers and external vendors.
• Coordinate annual benefits renewals and market reviews and ensure all benefit plans are accurately maintained and operated in accordance with plan rules and local legislation.
• Support benefits communications and employee education initiatives.
• Support compensation and reward projects through the provision of accurate data and analysis.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll and benefits queries.
• Provide professional, timely and accurate guidance to employees and managers.
• Support implementation of new systems, providers and technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data quality, reporting capability and employee experience.

Knowledge & Experience

• Significant and proven payroll administration experience within a multi-entity environment.
• Experience managing multiple payrolls simultaneously across different business units.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience administering a broad range of employee benefit programmes.
• Experience working with external payroll providers and benefits vendors.
• Strong understanding of pension administration and auto-enrolment requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong systems capability.
• Experience with ADP platforms including iHCM.
• Experience supporting international payrolls and benefits programmes.
• Experience with in a multinational or global organisation.
• CIPP qualification or similar payroll accreditation.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and numerical capability.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and payroll cycles simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal…