Payroll Manager

AVK is a leading player in the data centre sector, committed to driving innovation and sustainability in critical and prime power installations. We are on a mission to transform the industry, aligning our strategies with a sustainable future.

The Payroll Manager role is a hands-on role delivering payroll across a growing European footprint. AVK has recently implemented a new payroll system (ADP) and now operates five European payrolls within a fast-moving, multi-entity business. 

Working with the People Operations Manager, you’ll lead on the end-to-end payroll operation to ensure payroll runs smoothly and is processed accurately, while embedding new ways of working, stabilising systems and shaping our operation to be resilient and ready to scale.  

As part of this and as the organisation continues to grow and operate internationally, you’ll manage shadow payrolls and lead on payroll readiness for new operational sites, ensuring systems, data and processes are set up correctly from day one. 

You will also support the administration of employee benefits ensuring timely registration and de-registration of employees through established processes.  

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll delivery & stabilisation 

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll across the UK and all European payrolls, carrying out pre- and post-payroll checks, reconciliations and variance analysis. 

• Own payroll calendars, cut-offs and inputs to ensure smooth month-end delivery. 

• Work closely with external providers, support the bedding-in, optimisation and account management of ADP, including internal audits, validation and issue resolution. 

• Manage pension schemes, including change processes, reporting, reenrolment and compliance duties.
• Support accurate reconciliation of payroll liabilities and manage interactions with HMRC as required to resolve queries efficiently. 
• Lead the preparation and submission of year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds and PSA reporting as applicable.  

Stakeholder support 

• Act as a trusted partner for payroll queries from colleagues, managers and People Partners, managing our Payroll inbox and consistently responding to all email within 24 hours.  

• Work closely with Finance on reconciliations, reporting and cost accuracy.  

• Build strong partnerships with payroll providers, leading retros and addressing or escalating issues as needed.  

Compliance & controls 

• Ensure payroll processing complies with local statutory, tax and reporting requirements across jurisdictions. 
• Ownership of PAYE compliance, including timely payments of income tax and National Insurance, and staying up-to-date with legislative changes. 

• Support internal and external audits, maintaining clear documentation and controls. 

• Lead on change projects ensuring a smooth transition (payrolled benefits in 2027 is one example you’ll drive at AVK). 

Growth & change 

• Support payroll setup and readiness for new sites and entities, including data mapping, processes and provider coordination. 

• Help shape payroll processes that can scale as our European operations expand. 

• Work closely with People and Finance on payroll implications of growth, change and new locations.