Payroll Team Lead

Helping others improve and turn their lives around – there’s no better feeling. It’s what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.

We are looking for an experienced

Payroll Team Lead

to join our team at our office in Kings Hill, West Malling.

Joining us on a full time, 37.5 hour per week basis you will work in a hybrid capacity with 2 days per week based at the Kings Hill office.

The payroll landscape of Cygnet is complex due to the high numbers of acquisitions over recent years. The role of the

Payroll Team Lead covers a number of Pay and Pension areas.

At Cygnet, our perks go way beyond pension schemes and excellent professional development.

You’ll also enjoy shopping, travel and leisure discounts – as well as a range of healthcare and financial benefits – to support you to be happy both in and out of work.

With us, you’ll have the chance to progress your career in a vibrant, supportive culture tailored to help you thrive.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Day to Day:

• Support the end-to-end payroll cycle for the business, including hands on processing where required to support the team
• Complete manual systems backups on the agreed schedule, ( Schedule needs to be agreed)
• Provide review of regular Payroll main runs to ensure accuracy (1st line checks)
• Support with system wide calculations within the pay cycle, transfers between payroll companies and payroll number allocation for re-hired employees (Transfers need to be date driven)
• Identify and report any over or underpayments to the Payroll Manager providing sufficient evidence
• Complete manual systems backups on the agreed schedule,( Schedule needs to be agreed)
• Support where required with HMRC communications such as tax code downloads, FPS and EPS submissions
• Assist with the closing of payroll cycles and report running
• Support the payroll team manager with outstanding requests/escalations within the payroll portal

Personnel:

• Mentor and support the team to assist with training and continued professional development
• Identify and escape any performance issues or training needs to payroll manager
• Identify and report to the payroll Team manager, staff that are performing over and above expectations
• Provide positive feedback to the team where appropriate and warranted
• Perform one to ones on a weekly basis
• Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and critical processing
• Keep up to date with changes to payroll legislation

Communication:

• Develop and maintain relationships with on-site teams to ensure that information flows are reliable, accurate and timely
• Monitor the Payroll Portal to respond and resolve requests in line with our Service Level Agreements
• Provide support on the Amazon connect telephone system, ensuring that stakeholders are treated in a professional and helpful manner and any requests are logged as required
• Review central email inboxes to ensure completion

Strategy:

• Work with the Payroll Team Manager to maintain and review payroll calendars to plan resource and monitor payroll cycles
• Review controls with a view to recommending improvements and identifying new areas of risk
• Work with other senior members of the team and wider business to manage expectations, communication and provide resolution to issues
• Support the implementation of new systems and/or processes, providing training to the team where required.
• Monthly control account reconciliations

Why Cygnet? We’ll offer you…

• Salary of £34,000 per year
• Strong career progression opportunities into management roles
• Monthly reflective practice, & support with CPD opportunities
• Expert supervision & peer support
• Pension scheme
• “Cycle to work” scheme & employee discount saving.

What next?

If you care about making a difference – we want to talk to you.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Company:
Cygnet Salary: £34,000 - £34,000

Hours:

Full-time

Location:

Maidstone, ME19 4AE
Job type:
Permanent Posting date: 10 Aug 2026 Closing date: 8 Sept 2026