Payroll Officer

Shou; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK utility provider based in Manchester is looking for an experienced Payroll Officer to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing for employees. This role requires a solid understanding of UK payroll legislation, as well as the ability to handle payroll adjustments and employee queries efficiently. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in payroll administration and a keen attention to detail. The position offers a competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Supportive team environment

Career progression opportunities

Pension

Holiday allowance (25 days + Bank holidays)

Competitive salary

Other benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years experience in UK payroll administration preferred.
• Strong understanding of statutory payments and payroll legislation.
• Experience with payroll software is a must.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately for all UK employees.
• Maintain employee records for starters and leavers.
• Calculate and process statutory payments like SSP, SMP, and SPP.
• Ensure correct deductions for PAYE and pensions.
• Handle payroll queries from employees.

Skills

UK payroll administration

Understanding of UK payroll legislation

Using payroll software

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Using spreadsheets

Maintaining confidentiality

Tools

Payroll Software

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Payroll Officer
Salary: Competitive with benefits package
Location: Manchester
Contract: Permanent

About IES

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility provider delivering end‑to‑end utility solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, where we provide survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future‑ready infrastructure networks across the UK. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the utilities sector.

Our Vision

To be the leading utility and infrastructure services provider, known for innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future challenges.

Our Mission

To enable essential utility networks and infrastructure to achieve exceptional levels of resilience and long‑term value.

Role Summary

We are seeking a detail‑oriented and experienced Payroll Officer to join our team. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of employee payroll in accordance with UK legislation, company policies, and statutory requirements.

You’ll play a key role in keeping our payroll, attendance, and employee records accurate and up to date, working closely with site and office staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately process monthly, weekly or fortnightly payroll for all UK employees
• Maintain employee records including starters, leavers, and contract changes
• Calculate and process statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.)
• Ensure correct application of PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and other deductions
• Process payroll adjustments such as bonuses, overtime, and expenses
• Liaise with HMRC regarding RTI submissions, P45s, P60s, and tax code changes
• Support the implementation and maintenance of auto‑enrolment pension schemes
• Handle payroll queries from employees in a timely and professional manner
• Assisting with onboarding of new staff
• General admin tasks such as data entry, document prep, and filing
• Expenses Management
• Collecting and logging daily attendance and timesheets from site teams
• Ensuring time records are accurate for payroll processing
• Liaising with site supervisors to confirm hours worked
• Logging and monitoring holiday, sickness, and absences

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in UK payroll administration (minimum 12 years preferred)
• Good understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments
• Experience using payroll software
• Strong attention to detail and good organisational skills
• Confident using spreadsheets (Excel) and basic IT systems
• Trustworthy, reliable, and punctual
• Willing to learn and support wherever needed
• Able to maintain confidentiality

Desirable (but not essential)

• Familiarity with the construction industry or CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Supportive team environment
• Career progression opportunities
• Pension
• Holiday allowance (25 days + Bank holidays)
• Other benefits

How to Apply

If you believe you have the skills and experience we’re looking for, please submit your CV, including a brief covering note outlining your most relevant contract management or account management experience to [e-mail]. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.