Payroll and Benefits Manager

Role: Payroll and Benefits Manager
Reports into: Head of Group Reporting / Group People Director
Location: London
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent (42.5 hours per week)

Who we are:

Broadwick is a multifaceted international company with headquarters in London that creates, develops, owns, and operates a diverse portfolio of venues, spaces, events and experiences.

We believe in redefining spaces and how people experience music, art, culture and recreation by breaking down traditional barriers. With a rich history rooted in music, we built a portfolio of 20 global festivals before selling it in 2019 to focus on our growing family of venues – including Printworks London, Depot Mayfield Manchester, Drumsheds London, Exhibition London and Magazine London.

Our aim is to push boundaries and reshape the cultural landscape with bold ideas and commercial intelligence, creating spaces and experiences that connect with discerning audiences in inspiring ways.

Our team:

At Broadwick, Finance and People teams work side by side to ensure the business not only performs but thrives. The Finance team drives data, accuracy and control. The People team champions culture, wellbeing and employee experience. Sitting across both functions, the Payroll and Benefits Manager plays a pivotal role in connecting the dots - ensuring payroll and benefits are processed accurately and on time.

This role is jointly supported by Finance and People and sits at the intersection of operational excellence and employee experience. You’ll report into both the Head of Group Reporting and Group People Director, working daily with both teams to ensure that payroll, pensions and benefits are accurate, and compliant.

You’ll also be a key player in building stronger connections between data, finance, people processes and culture - helping Broadwick continue to scale in a way that’s both financially sound and people-first.

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Payroll and Benefits Manager to take ownership of payroll and employee benefits across Broadwick Group. This is a pivotal internal role responsible for managing our outsourced payroll processing while retaining the capability to process payroll directly if required.

You’ll work closely with both Finance and the People team to oversee 7 monthly and 6 casual payrolls, covering over 200 monthly employees and up to 400 casual workers depending on the season. You'll be the key internal liaison ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance - bridging communication between the business and our payroll processor.

This role also includes full accountability for pensions (Aegon and Nest), employee benefits and IR35 compliance. Your focus will be to deliver operational excellence, enhance employee experience, and ensure smooth cross-functional workflows across payroll, HR, and finance. 

What you’ll be responsible for:

Payroll Oversight and Delivery

• Oversee the delivery of 13 monthly and casual payrolls managed by an outsourced payroll processor, ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Step in to process payrolls directly when needed (e.g., during transitions, issues, or peak times).
• Liaise with the People team to gather payroll-impacting data (starters, leavers, promotions, bonuses, leaves).
• Maintain and manage a strong relationship with the outsourced payroll processor, including SLAs, performance reviews, and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with Finance on reconciliations, accounting entries, and statutory submissions (including HMRC).
• Ensure payroll data integrity across systems (HRIS, timesheets, accounting software).

Casual Workforce Payroll

• Oversee administration of high-volume casual payrolls across multiple venues (150–400 workers, seasonally variable).
• Validate timesheet accuracy, rates, and entitlements (e.g., holiday pay, overtime).
• Provide workforce costing and payroll reporting to Finance and Ops teams.
• Ensure compliance with real-time reporting and adapt processes to support fluctuating headcounts.

Pensions Administration

• Manage end-to-end pensions processes (Aegon and Nest) including enrolments, opt-outs, contributions, and compliance with auto-enrolment requirements.
• Act as internal point of contact for pension-related queries, liaising with providers when needed.

Benefits Management

• Administer the Group’s employee benefits including private healthcare, EAP, and cycle-to-work schemes.
• Ensure timely and accurate updates with benefit providers and clear communication with employees.
• Manage benefit deductions and ensure accurate payroll integration.

IR35 Compliance

• Own and maintain the IR35 assessment and compliance process across Broadwick Group.
• Work with hiring managers, Finance, and Legal to evaluate contractor status and document decisions.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure HMRC compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the go-to internal expert for payroll and benefits questions from employees and managers.
• Collaborate with the People team on onboarding/offboarding, pay changes, and policy alignment.
• Deliver clear, timely communications and guidance around payroll deadlines and entitlements.

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Continually identify and implement improvements to payroll, pensions, and benefits processes.
• Work with the provider to streamline timelines and enhance reporting.
• Produce regular internal reports on payroll KPIs, headcount costs, and benefit participation.
• Maintain robust documentation and ensure full process compliance.

You’ll need to have:

• Proven experience overseeing outsourced payroll processing, with the confidence to take on in-house processing if needed.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Experience with pensions administration and employee benefit schemes.
• Solid grasp of IR35 rules and off-payroll working compliance.
• Excellent attention to detail, reconciliation skills, and numerical accuracy.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with HRIS/finance systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an empathetic approach to employee support.
• Resilient, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment.

Nice to haves:

• Experience in a fast-paced, people-heavy business (events, hospitality, live entertainment).
• Knowledge of integrated HR/payroll systems.
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement or automation initiatives.