Senior Payroll Officer

Job Description

DP World is at the heart of Europe’s trading future, providing the right trading infrastructure, smart logistical solutions, and the advantages of freeport status to our customers. As a dynamic and expanding global logistics provider, our people are central to driving sustained growth and operational excellence.

Location: London Gateway, EssexContract: 16 month FTC

How you will contribute

• Oversee accurate and timely monthly payroll processing for all Ports & Terminals employees.
• Ensure correct calculation of PAYE, National Insurance, pension contributions, court orders, flexible benefits, and statutory deductions.
• Manage HMRC submissions including RTI, tax code updates, and statutory notifications.
• Prepare and submit payroll for monthly sign‑off by the Senior Director of HR and Chief Financial Officer.
• Maintain strong internal controls and complete monthly reconciliation of payroll and related accounts.
• Supervise and develop the payroll team, including Payroll Officers, Administrator, and Apprentice.
• Allocate workload, monitor quality, and ensure deadlines and performance standards are achieved.
• Act as the senior operational point of contact for all payroll‑related matters and escalations.
• Interpret UK payroll, tax, and pension legislation, providing recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Ensure payroll systems remain compliant with all statutory thresholds and legislative updates.
• Oversee administration of employee benefits including pensions, flexible benefits, bonuses, and salary reviews.
• Reconcile benefit‑related payroll activity and produce supporting reports.
• Produce and validate monthly payroll reporting including headcount, overtime, salary, bonus, HMRC, and GL outputs.
• Conduct data accuracy checks across payroll, HRIS, and workforce planning systems.
• Support statutory reporting requirements such as ONS submissions and Gender Pay Gap reporting.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and system enhancements.
• Support system testing, payroll audits, and implementation of corrective actions where required.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders including Finance, HR Business Partners, Operations, and Engineering teams.
• Provide expert guidance and resolve complex payroll queries, ensuring a high standard of service delivery.
• Collaborate with Regional and Global Reward teams on payroll, benefits, and reporting alignment.
• Ensure compliance with DP World’s Health & Safety policies and safe working practices.

Qualifications

• AAT NVQ Level 3 in Payroll Administration, CIPP Diploma / Advanced Diploma, IAB Payroll qualification, or equivalent. (Desired)

Experience

• Proven experience managing complex, high‑volume monthly payrolls – Essential.
• Experience supervising payroll staff or overseeing operational payroll activities – Essential.
• Experience working in deadline‑driven, fast‑paced environments – Essential.
• Experience in statutory reporting, benefits administration, and payroll reconciliations – Essential.Experience within a multi‑site or operational workforce environment – Desirable.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions, auto‑enrolment, and HMRC requirements.
• Advanced payroll systems expertise and strong Excel capability.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on accuracy and data integrity.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and build relationships across all levels.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership, and drive improvements.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer‑focused approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Compensation

DP World offers exciting and challenging roles within a growing international organization. We strive to hire and develop the right people, locally and globally, stimulating personal growth and self-development within an informal atmosphere. We offer a market competitive compensation package.

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