Champneys is a destination health spa group with resorts, hotels and day spas across the UK. Built on the philosophy that health, beauty and wellbeing are interconnected, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for both our guests and colleagues.
We are a family-run business with complex and fast-paced operations, where payroll accuracy, insight and efficiency are critical to our ongoing success.
Role Objective
This role is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and consistency across the business.
Working in a hands-on, part-time capacity, the Payroll & Systems Manager will lead the day-to-day payroll operation while supporting one direct report and partnering with managers to ensure payroll processes are followed correctly.
Alongside payroll delivery, the role will play a key part in developing and optimising Dayforce, ensuring the system is fully utilised and operates as a central platform connecting payroll, people data and business operations.
This is an operational role, ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the detail, takes pride in accuracy, and is confident supporting stakeholders on payroll queries and processes.
Payroll Processing (Day-to-Day Delivery)
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Manage the full payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely processing
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Process all payroll changes including salaries, overtime, commissions, deductions and statutory payments
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Ensure compliance with HMRC, pensions, and payroll legislation
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Reconcile payroll and resolve discrepancies promptly
Team Management
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Manage and support one direct report, ensuring workload is effectively prioritised
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Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching and oversight
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Ensure accountability and consistency across payroll activities
Stakeholder Support
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Support managers across the business with payroll-related queries
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Provide clear guidance on payroll processes, deadlines and submission requirements
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Ensure managers submit accurate and timely payroll data
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Build strong working relationships with HR, Finance and operational teams
Process Adherence & Governance
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Ensure payroll processes are consistently followed across all locations
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Identify and address recurring issues or gaps in process
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Promote best practice and improve understanding of payroll requirements across the business
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Strengthen controls to ensure accuracy, compliance and efficiency
Health & Safety & Compliance
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Ensure all payroll processes comply with GDPR and data protection requirements
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Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll information
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential
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Proven experience in a hands-on payroll role
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Experience processing payroll end-to-end within a multi-site organisation
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Strong working knowledge of Dayforce (essential)
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Experience developing or optimising payroll systems and processes
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Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance
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High level of accuracy and attention to detail
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Strong organisational and time management skills
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Confident communicator, able to support and guide managers
Desirable
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Experience supporting system architecture or working alongside data/system specialists
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Experience within hospitality, leisure or similar multi-site environments
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Previous experience managing or supporting junior payroll colleagues
Personal Attributes
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Detail-focused with a strong commitment to accuracy
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Technically minded with a systems-first approach
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Comfortable balancing operational delivery with system development
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Approachable and supportive, with a strong service mindset
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Proactive and solutions-focused
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Takes ownership and accountability for delivery
This is a hands-on payroll role with a strong systems focus, combining operational delivery with the ongoing development of Dayforce.
The Payroll & Systems Manager will ensure payroll runs seamlessly day-to-day, while working to evolve Dayforce into a fully integrated platform that connects payroll with the wider business, driving accuracy, efficiency, and insight.
