Payroll Officer

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing

• Support the end-to-end processing of monthly payrolls for salaried and hourly-paid employees across multiple UK sites and legal entities

• Ensure payroll data is accurate, complete and processed in line with agreed deadlines

Starters, Leavers & Changes

• Process employee lifecycle changes including starters, leavers, contractual changes, variable pay, overtime and deductions

• Ensure all changes are appropriately authorised and accurately reflected in payroll systems

Compliance & Accuracy

• Ensure payroll processing complies with HMRC legislation, statutory payments, and internal controls

• Support RTI submissions, pension contributions and auto-enrolment processes

• Maintain payroll records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements

Systems & Data

• Maintain accurate payroll data within payroll and HR systems such as iTrent, Focus, Sage or similar

• Support data validation, reconciliation and reporting activities

• Assist with testing and implementation activities during payroll system or process changes

Queries & Stakeholder Support

• Act as a first point of contact for payroll queries from employees and managers

• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner

• Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to ensure aligned and accurate data

Continuous Improvement & System Projects

• Identify payroll, pension, and benefits process issues and propose solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience

• Bring experience and insight in pensions and employee benefits to support improvements and compliance

• Play an active role in the selection, implementation, and integration of a new HRIS/payroll system, collaborating with the Head of Payroll, HR, and Finance

• Support payroll audits, internal reviews, and ensure processes remain compliant and aligned with best practice

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in payroll administration, including processing for both hourly and salaried employees

• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, and employee benefits administration (essential)

• Hands-on experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms (iTrent, Focus, Sage or similar) — essential

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of data accurately

• Confident using Microsoft Excel for reporting and reconciliations

• Ability to work to deadlines and handle confidential information with discretion

Desirable

• Experience in a multi-site or hospitality environment

• CIPP qualification or working towards

• Experience supporting system implementations or process transformation projects

What We’re Looking For

• A dependable and well-organised payroll professional who takes pride in accuracy

• Someone proactive, collaborative, and keen to get involved in system projects and continuous improvement

• A team player who supports the wider payroll function and delivers a positive employee experience

What’s in it for you:

·      Competitive rate of pay.

·      Enhanced holiday entitlement (*with the option to cash in a number of holidays per year).

·      Discounted staff breaks at our luxurious holiday resorts across the UK.

·      Free use of all Darwin Escapes resort facilities including many of our free gyms and swimming pools.

·      Food discount across all resorts.

·      Discounts on spa treatments.

·      *'Introduce a friend' recruitment bonus.

·      *Company employee sick pay.

·      Compassionate leave pay.

·      Employee Assistance Programme.

·      Free access to the Darwin Academy training programme to help further your career and skill levels.

·      Cycle to work scheme.

·      MediCash cash plan.

*Subject to terms and conditions