As our Payroll & HR Officer, you’ll play a central role in delivering an accurate and efficient payroll service while supporting HR activities across the business. You’ll work closely with colleagues and managers, ensuring payroll runs smoothly, queries are resolved and employees are supported throughout their journey with COOMBES.
This is a role where your attention to detail, organisation and communication skills will have a real impact every day.
In this role, you’ll:
· Run an efficient and effective end-to-end payroll service in relation to the employee lifecycle
· Collate timesheets from across the business and process, highlighting non-compliance or errors to line managers
· Process financial amendments to payroll, including Attachment of Earnings, Christmas Savings Club deductions and statutory pay and leave
· Complete statutory payroll submissions, including P45s, P60s, P11Ds, and HMRC RTI submissions, ensuring accuracy and compliance
· Coordinate payroll-related benefits, including auto-enrolment, salary sacrifice and deductions, and manage pension administration across multiple providers
· Run payroll year-end and pension year-end processes in line with legislative deadlines
· Liaise with employees and managers regarding payroll queries, providing clear support and guidance
· Support generalist HR activities across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, engagement, social value and offboarding
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
· A CIPP qualification or equivalent
· Proven experience running end-to-end payroll, ideally within an SME or multi-site environment
· Experience processing timesheets/variable hours payroll, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.), HMRC submissions (RTI, P45s, P60s, P11Ds) and deductions such as Attachment of Earnings and salary sacrifice
· Experience administering pensions and auto-enrolment
· Experience managing payroll year-end and pension year-end processes
· The ability to manage payroll queries effectively with employees and managers
· Experience maintaining accurate employee records and ensuring GDPR compliance
· Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and compliance
· High level of accuracy and attention to detail
· Confident using payroll systems and HRIS platforms
· Strong numerical and reconciliation skills
· Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise workload effectively
· Strong organisational skills with a structured and methodical approach
· Ability to explain payroll matters clearly to non-specialists
· Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
· Good understanding of HR processes and the employee lifecycle
· Proactive approach to identifying issues and improving processes
Whilst not essential, it would be advantageous if you have:
· CIPD Level 3 or Level 5 in Human Resources
· Experience within construction, engineering or operational environments
· Experience implementing or improving payroll or HR systems
· Knowledge of benefits platforms and reward schemes
· Experience supporting HR projects or initiatives
What we’re looking for:
We’re looking for someone who brings accuracy, organisation and reliability to every aspect of payroll and HR - a professional who takes pride in getting things right first time and supporting people across the business.
As a people-facing role, this position is office-based to encourage collaboration, ensure effective delivery, and strengthen our One Team culture.
What you can expect from us:
- Competitive basic salary, reviewed annually.
- Company branded vehicle.
- Annual performance‑related bonus.
- Company pension scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme offering wellbeing, legal and financial support.
- 24/7 online GP access for you and your family.
- A range of retail, leisure and lifestyle discounts.
- Regular social events, including our Summer Family Day and COOMBESmas celebration.
- Length‑of‑service awards.
- Opportunities to contribute to our Social Value work through volunteering and fundraising.
COOMBES UK is a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor with over 20 years of experience in the forestry sector. We’re known for our expertise, high standards and deep understanding of forestry operations.
We’re also a key delivery partner in the Rail industry, providing a wide range of off‑track services and minor civils works for Network Rail and major contractors. As we continue to grow, we’re delivering significant projects across woodland management, timber harvesting, rail operations and civil engineering nationwide.
As a family‑run SME, we work closely together and operate as one team. The dedication, skill and integrity of our people sit at the heart of our success. We value transparency, accountability and supporting one another to excel.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and ensure fair, inclusive treatment throughout the hiring process.
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply - you may be the perfect fit for this role or future opportunities within COOMBES.
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
