Payroll Manager

Job Title: Payroll Manager – Part Time

Location: Sywell preferred, but Doncaster considered

Remit: UK and Ireland

Reports to: Group Head of HR

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Excel is a high-performance aviation services business that specialises in doing difficult things well. We have experienced significant growth since inception and that vector shows no sign of slowing down. Spread over multiple sites, engaging in a wide variety of activities including search and rescue, charter, capability development and aircraft maintenance, our people are at the heart of our business and, therefore, our priority.

We need a Payroll Manager to take full ownership of the organisation’s monthly payroll process, ensuring it is delivered accurately, efficiently and in compliance with all relevant legislation. The role operates with a high level of autonomy, requiring minimal day-to-day input from the HR leadership team, while maintaining appropriate oversight and collaboration.

The role is required for 24 hours per week, but the exact pattern can be determined by the successful candidate, subject to payroll deadlines being met on a monthly basis. On site presence is preferred, but occasional home working can be agreed.

• Take full ownership of the end-to-end monthly payroll process, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Manage payroll inputs through the HR system, including salaries, variable payments, deductions, and statutory payments.
• Validate payroll data, resolving discrepancies independently and escalating only where appropriate.
• Produce and review payroll reports, ensuring accuracy prior to submission and sign-off.
• Act as the primary liaison with external payroll providers (if applicable), managing queries and ensuring service standards are met.
• Maintain and continuously improve payroll processes, controls, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related legislation, including tax, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory obligations.
• Manage year-end payroll activities (e.g. P60s, P11
  
  Ds where relevant).
• Handle payroll-related queries from employees and managers, providing clear and timely resolutions.

In addition to running the Company’s three payrolls, including one in Republic of Ireland, the role will provide light-touch HR support where required, helping to maintain smooth HR operations across the business.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience, skills and knowledge:

• Proven experience managing payroll independently, ideally in a stand‑alone or highly autonomous role.
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with strong data validation skills.
• Experience using HR and payroll systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues with minimal supervision.
• Confident communicator, able to explain payroll matters clearly to non‑specialists.
• Comfortable working part‑time in a role that requires ownership and accountability.

• Self‑sufficient and proactive, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage deadlines and priorities effectively.
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling sensitive employee data.
• Continuous improvement mindset, particularly around payroll processes.
• Collaborative approach, with the ability to step into HR support activities when needed.

Whilst not essential, we would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experience of H&BHR payroll system and/or have worked in an aviation environment.

In return we can offer a generous salary, 25 days holiday per year from day one plus bank holidays, up to a 6% matched Pension scheme, Group Life Insurance, Health and Wellbeing benefits including Private Health Care and an EAP, and much more.

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Excel is committed to promoting equitable treatment, encouraging diversity and embracing inclusion in our recruitment processes and among our workforce. In addition, we are proud to be recognised as a Disability Confident Employer.