Job Description

Payroll Manager

Location: Coventry 

Contract: 3 Month Fixed Term Contract or Day Rate Contract

Salary: Up to £55,000 Pro Rata or Around £300 per Day (DOE)

Available at Short Notice? We'd Love to Hear From You.

Are you an experienced Payroll Manager looking for your next contract or fixed term opportunity?

Do you have strong end to end UK payroll experience, excellent knowledge of Sage Payroll, and enjoy stepping into busy environments where you can quickly make a positive impact?

We're recruiting for an experienced Payroll professional to join a well established manufacturing business in Coventry for an initial three month assignment. Whether you're an experienced contractor or looking for a fixed term opportunity, this role offers flexibility, autonomy and the chance to work with a supportive and collaborative team.

This is a hands on role where you'll take ownership of multiple payrolls, ensure employees are paid accurately and on time, and provide expert support across Payroll, HR and Finance.

We're particularly interested in speaking with candidates who are available immediately or on a short notice period.

Why Join?

Three month contract with immediate impact

Opportunity to join as a contractor or on a fixed term contract

Hybrid working available

Full time or part time hours available

Competitive day rate or salary depending on your preference

Work within a friendly and supportive Payroll and HR team

Varied role with autonomy and responsibility from day one

The Role

As Payroll Manager, you'll oversee the end to end UK payroll process, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and on time.

Working closely with HR, Finance and operational teams, you'll manage payroll inputs, statutory payments, pensions, reconciliations, reporting and payroll queries while maintaining excellent payroll controls and compliance.

You'll also have the opportunity to support the coordination of the company's Canadian payroll through an external provider, although previous Canadian payroll experience is not essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a varied payroll management role and can quickly become a trusted member of an established team.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the complete UK payroll process using Sage Payroll

Process new starters, leavers, salary changes, overtime, bonuses and payroll amendments

Ensure PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments are processed accurately

Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations and BACS payment files

Complete HMRC submissions and maintain payroll compliance

Resolve payroll queries from employees and managers professionally and efficiently

Maintain payroll controls, audit trails and accurate documentation

Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and efficiency

About You

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager or Senior Payroll Professional who enjoys working independently while collaborating with wider business teams.

You'll ideally have:

Extensive experience managing end to end UK payroll

Strong working knowledge of Sage Payroll

Excellent understanding of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments

Experience processing payroll reconciliations, BACS files and HMRC submissions

Strong Excel skills and excellent attention to detail

The ability to work under pressure and meet strict payroll deadlines

Experience within manufacturing or engineering would be advantageous but is not essential

Experience using AI assisted tools, or a willingness to embrace new technologies, would also be welcomed.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the business, successful applicants will be required to undergo Security Clearance and satisfy all pre employment screening requirements before starting.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.

In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included