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Location: St Mary's Stadium

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Criminal Record Check: DBS Basic

What is the role?

We are seeking a Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function for 1,000+ employees across multiple payrolls, including casual staff, permanent staff and players. This role goes beyond routine payroll processing and instead focuses on reviewing, controlling and enhancing payroll processes across the Club.

The Payroll Manager will support and develop the payroll team, strengthen controls, and act as the go-to expert for payroll and employment tax across the Club. A key part of the role is driving improvements in systems and leading the move to payrolling benefits ahead of 2027/28.

What will you be doing?

You will oversee the end-to-end payroll cycle, ensuring all outputs are accurate, compliant and delivered on time.

Undertaking a thorough and robust review of payroll reports and signing off multiple payrolls across the month, you will ensure accurate treatment of salaries, bonuses (including player-related payments), benefits, deductions and third-party payments such as to HMRC and pension providers.

You will manage and deliver the monthly reconciliation of payroll account transactions to trial balance and take ownership of payroll-related accounting functions while acting as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related queries, including during the interim and year-end audit processes and providing guidance, training and updates to the wider Club.

Compliance and governance will be a key aspect of this role. You will take ownership of all payroll compliance, including National Minimum Wage, Real Living Wage, auto-enrolment, employment taxes and HMRC obligations as well as interpret and implement new payroll and tax legislation, assessing the impact to the Club and circulating internally as appropriate.

You will have a focus on continuous improvement, leading payroll transformation initiatives and ensuring the implementation and successful delivery of mandatory payrolling of benefits ahead of the 2027/28 tax year, leading internal stakeholders on improving benefits-related processes. You will drive the adoption of automation and AI solutions to improve efficiency within the payroll function and take ownership of player-specific payroll processes, including accurate appearance forecasting and tracking, loan tracking and regulatory reporting.

Working closely with Finance, HR and shared services, you will provide clear guidance and help shape the Club’s overall payroll and benefits approach.

Is this you?

You are an experienced and innovative payroll professional with strong leadership skills and the ability to work to deadlines while remaining organised. You have great attention to detail and understand the importance of continuous communication within your own team and other departments.

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience 

• Professionally recognised qualification in payroll (e.g. CIPP)
• Extensive experience working in a payroll management within a large, complex organisation.
• Proven track record of improving payroll processes, controls and systems.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, employment taxes and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing payroll audits and working with external auditors.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong reconciliation / financial control capability.
• Experience working with payroll systems (e.g. Workday, AP or equivalent).
• Strong leadership and people management experience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Promotes a culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.

How this benefits you… 

If you are successful, you can look forward to a healthy benefits package; 

• Access to 2 free match tickets for every home league game
• Access to our staff Health & Wellbeing initiatives (Mental & Physical Health).
• Discounted Southampton Football Club merchandise.
• 26 days’ holiday per year excluding bank holidays plus your birthday off each year.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Worldwide Travel Insurance for you and your family.
• Learning & Development opportunities - supporting you to develop your potential and achieve in your career.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Collaborative & inclusive working culture.