Culina is the UK’s leading independent specialist supply chain partner, trusted by some of the nation’s best recognised food, fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC) and retail brands. We're proud to employ over 22,000 colleagues across 100+ locations nationwide, supported by a fleet of more than 5,500 trucks and trailers delivering every day.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within Central Functions - our Central Functions are the teams that support our entire business, providing the expertise, systems and services that keep our operations running smoothly. These departments include HR, Finance, IT, Procurement, and other specialist support functions, all working together to enable business success.

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead our Transport and Ambient Payroll Shared Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a payroll professional with strong leadership experience to drive service excellence, lead transformational projects, and ensure payroll operations are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with legislation.

As Payroll Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping and delivering our Payroll Shared Services strategy, supporting continuous improvement, and partnering with stakeholders across the business to provide an exceptional payroll service.

Life in this role

• Lead, coach and develop the Payroll Shared Services team, creating a high-performing and customer-focused culture.
• Support the Group Payroll Director in delivering the Payroll Shared Services strategy and operational objectives.
• Manage payroll-related projects, including legislative changes, process improvements, and system enhancements.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring all payroll transactions are processed accurately, efficiently, and in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery, increase efficiency, and standardise processes.
• Utilise SAP, HCM Air and legacy payroll systems to improve data accuracy, reporting and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, company policies, and governance requirements.
• Develop and monitor service delivery KPIs, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Manage relationships with external payroll and service providers.
• Work closely with HR Directors, HR Business Partners, managers and key stakeholders to support business objectives and deliver an excellent employee experience.
• Act as a subject matter expert on payroll processes, policies and compliance matters.

We're looking for a confident and proactive payroll leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys driving operational excellence.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive Payroll Shared Services (HRSS) knowledge and experience.
• Strong experience managing payroll, HR and time & attendance systems.
• CIPP Level 5 qualification.
• Minimum 5 years' payroll experience, including at least 3 years in a management or supervisory position.
• Experience managing payroll operations within a high-volume environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching and team development skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience supporting multiple stakeholders across different legal entities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

What is in it for you? 

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact, develop your career, and be part of a team that works as one to achieve great results, we'd love to hear from you. 

• Company Bonus - we achieve more when we work together, that’s why we celebrate our shared success through our bonus scheme. 

• Private Medical Cover  - enjoy peace of mind with access to Bupa's healthcare services. 

• Company car or car Allowance - providing additional support and flexibility to help you stay mobile and connected. 

• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme - our salary sacrifice scheme offers a cost-effective way to drive an electric vehicle, with payments taken directly from your salary. Eligibility and salary thresholds apply. 

• Wellbeing Support – your wellbeing matters to us. Through our Employee Assistance Programme, you'll have 24/7 access to confidential counselling and legal support, whenever you need it. 

• Eye Care Vouchers – free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses. 

• Reward & Recognition – we love celebrating great work, we recognise those who go above and beyond. 

• Everyday Discounts – our benefits platform gives you access to discounts from over 50 leading retailers, helping your money go further every day. 

You may have seen that we're on an exciting journey as we bring our businesses closer together and build an even stronger future as one team. As part of this transformation, our businesses have united under a single brand: Culina. 

Over time, our well-known legacy brands, including IPS, Stobart, Great Bear, Fowler Welch, Warrens, CML, Stobart Europe, IRF and iForce, will transition to the Culina brand. During this period, you may still see these names displayed at some of our sites. 

So, if you've applied for a role with Culina but see one of our legacy brands when you arrive for an interview or site visit, don't worry, you're in exactly the right place.