Payroll Lead

Payroll Lead

Location: Gateshead

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Hybrid Working: Up to two days per week from home

Komatsu UK is one of the North East's leading manufacturing employers and part of the globally recognised Komatsu Group, a world leader in construction, mining and industrial equipment. Based in Birtley, Komatsu UK designs, manufactures and supplies medium-sized hydraulic excavators to customers across Europe. Employing approximately 445 people, the business is recognised for its commitment to continuous improvement, employee development and workplace well being. The company holds Investors in People accreditation, ISO certifications and the Gold Award for Better Health at Work.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Lead to take ownership of the monthly UK payroll for approximately 450 employees. This standalone Payroll Lead role offers the opportunity to manage a varied payroll operation while contributing to process improvements and the future development of the payroll function.

Working closely with HR, Finance and the external payroll provider, the Payroll Lead will ensure payroll information is accurate, authorised and processed within agreed deadlines. The role will also provide support across pensions, employee benefits, company cars, reporting and payroll-related projects.

Key Responsibilities as a Payroll Lead

• Managing the end-to-end monthly payroll process
• Preparing, validating and submitting payroll data
• Reviewing payroll outputs, reconciliations and audit trails
• Ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation and HMRC

requirements

• Managing statutory payments, year-end processes, P11Ds and PSAs
• Supporting pensions, benefits and company car administration
• Producing payroll, overtime and labour cost reports
• Acting as the main contact for payroll queries
• Identifying opportunities to improve payroll systems and processes

About You

The successful Payroll Lead will have significant payroll experience, strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and experience working with payroll systems and external providers. The Payroll Lead will be highly accurate, organised and confident working independently. Strong Excel, communication and data analysis skills are also important.

Experience of iTrent, IR35, international payroll arrangements, employee benefits or a manufacturing environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Benefits

Komatsu offers an attractive benefits package designed to support employee well being and long-term career development, including:

• Hybrid working with up to two days per week from home
• Up to 39 days annual leave
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• On-site gym facilities
• Subsidised canteen
• Better Health at Work initiatives
• Employee discount and benefits schemes
• Annual salary reviews
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive culture focused on continuous improvement and employee involvement

We’re committed to promoting inclusive opportunities. If you’re excited about this Payroll Lead role but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply — your unique perspective could be exactly what they’re looking for