Payroll Specialist
Join Tetra Tech as a Payroll Specialist in Leeds and play a pivotal role in transforming payroll across multiple operating units. If you’re technically adept with payroll systems, enjoy solving complex payroll challenges and want to contribute to high‑impact change programmes, this is an opportunity to make your mark.
Purpose & Scope of the Role:
Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will process end‑to‑end payroll for c.5,000 employees across multiple payrolls, manage IR35 and third‑party payments, and support migration of operating units onto Tetra Tech systems. You will maintain accurate monthly runs (starters, leavers, pay adjustments), liaise with external payroll providers, administer pensions and benefits, and prepare stakeholder reports and HMRC submissions.
Your Impact in this position:
You will improve payroll accuracy and timeliness, streamline processes during system migrations, ensure compliance with IR35, statutory payments and forthcoming payrolling of benefits, and strengthen stakeholder confidence through clear reporting and responsive query resolution. Your attention to detail and process improvements will directly support payroll resilience and business continuity.
Core capabilities:
- Payroll processing excellence — Proven ability to run multiple payrolls, calculate gross‑to‑net manually where required, and handle statutory payments (SMP, SSP, etc.) with precision.
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Systems & technical proficiency — Strong Excel skills and practical experience with payroll platforms and bureau models; comfortable supporting migrations and automations.
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Compliance & regulatory knowledge — Solid understanding of IR35, salary sacrifice, National Minimum Wage and pension auto‑enrolment requirements.
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Stakeholder collaboration — Effective communicator who manages relationships with external providers, HR, finance and benefits teams and delivers timely reports.
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Continuous improvement mindset — Proactive in reviewing processes, implementing efficiencies and adapting within fast‑paced change programmes.
Skills, qualifications and experience:
Demonstrable payroll experience across multiple payroll. Strong excel skills. Knowledge of statutory payments. Strong attention to detail and ownership of tasks.
Working environment:
This is a hybrid role in Leeds. You will be expected in the office 1 – 2 days per week.
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Why join Tetra Tech?
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.
