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We are seeking a Senior Payroll Administrator to join our People Team.
In this role, you will be responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of our monthly payroll, acting as one of the primary points of contact for payroll queries across the business.
You will work closely with HR and Finance Business Partners, ensuring all business units receive precise and proactive support while assisting with broader HR requirements and employee benefits administration.
About the Role
Sitting within the HR function, the Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of the monthly payroll. You will act as a primary point of contact for payroll queries, maintaining dynamic relationships and clear communication with Services and Business Unit (BU) payroll contacts to ensure data accuracy throughout each payroll cycle.
Beyond monthly operations, you will be accountable for completing all annual, bi-annual, and ad-hoc payroll tasks, including the administration of employee benefits. This role also supports the day-to-day coordination of payroll activities, monitors soft deadlines, and collaborates with the Payroll Manager to finalise and validate monthly payroll results, while assisting with broader HR and payroll requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Accuracy & Processing
- Ensure the accurate and timely processing of the company payroll.
- Liaise with Services/Business Units to gather and validate monthly data, including hours worked, joiners, leavers, and ongoing queries.
- Monitor submission deadlines and ensure all required information is received on time.
- Review payroll data during the closing period, identifying discrepancies and escalating issues to the relevant manager to ensure accurate payment.
- Collaborate with Finance Business Partners and BU managers post-payroll to resolve any data-related queries.
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Support & Relationship Management
- Provide direct, people-first support to teams.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with managers and key contacts across your remit to ensure smooth payroll operations each month.
- Act as a highly accessible and service-driven point of contact, responding promptly to queries, providing clear updates, and finding solutions for everyone in the business.
- Contribute to achieving a 100% (5 stars) rating on the quarterly financial survey through outstanding, team-focused internal customer service.
Payroll Administrator Skills Development
- Develop and maintain training materials for areas of subject-matter expertise.
- Coach team members to enhance their skills in areas of expertise.
- Drive the continuous improvement and evolution of payroll practices.
- Support the onboarding of new arrivals and provide mentorship to foster the development of new recruits.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support the Payroll Manager with ad-hoc tasks as required.
- Assist with audits, Freedom of Information requests, and internal HR or disciplinary processes when needed.
- Participate in system testing for payroll updates or upgrades.
Who You Are
We are looking for a candidate with a high degree of adaptability to procedural and regulatory changes, along with the following qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of mid to senior hands-on experience navigating UK payroll legislation and processes.
- CIPP Qualification (Technician level or above).
- A genuine passion for sport, wellness, or movement in any form.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to delivering outstanding internal customer service and a solution-oriented attitude.
- A proven track record of handling sensitive, confidential data with absolute integrity.
- Comfortable navigating change and evolving processes in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using SAP SuccessFactors and Workday is an advantage.
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Additional Information
Hybrid Working: This role requires the successful candidate to work on-site at least three days per week in one of our hubs (London, Stockport, and Dublin).
Benefits and perks
- Healthy employee discount on Decathlon products.
- Free Weekly Team Sports/Activities.
- Shareholding Scheme.
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme.
- Possibility to enroll in Private healthcare with mental health support.
- Pension package with up to 5.5% employer contribution.
International. Sport-passionate. Collaborative team members. Stronger together through our driving force to bring people together through sports to make wellbeing accessible for all.
At Decathlon UK and Ireland, we offer Careers That Let You Play. As part of the DECATHLON Group, one of the world's largest sports retailers headquartered in France, we specialise in creating sport products and distributing them through online and physical stores across 56 countries with over 1,700 locations. With over 40+ stores in the UK and Ireland, our mission is to be the spirited cheerleaders of sports and healthier living in the nation!
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