Senior Payroll Administrator

International. Sport enthusiasts. Collaborative team members. Stronger together through our driving force to move people through the wonders of sport. 

At Decathlon UK, we offer Careers That Let You Play. As part of the DECATHLON Group, one of the world's largest sports retailers headquartered in France, we specialise in creating sport products and distributing them through online and physical stores across 56 countries with over 1,700 locations. With over 40+ stores in the UK, our mission is to be the spirited cheerleaders of sports and healthier living in the nation

Sitting within the HR function, the Senior Payroll Administrator is responsible for the accurate, efficient, and timely processing of the monthly payroll. The role works closely with HR and Finance Business Partners to ensure all business units receive precise and proactive support.

Acting as the primary point of contact for payroll queries, the Senior Payroll Administrator maintains clear communication with Services and BU payroll contacts, ensuring data accuracy throughout each payroll cycle.

Beyond monthly operations, the role is accountable for completing all annual, bi-annual, and ad-hoc payroll tasks, including the administration of employee benefits.

The Senior Payroll Administrator also supports the day-to-day coordination of payroll activities, monitors soft deadlines, and collaborates with the Payroll Manager to finalise and validate monthly payroll results, while assisting with broader HR and payroll requirements.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Payroll Accuracy & Processing

• Ensure the accurate and timely processing of the company payroll.

• Liaise with Services/Business Units to gather and validate monthly data, including hours worked, joiners, leavers, and ongoing queries.

• Monitor submission deadlines and ensure all required information is received on time.

• Review payroll data during the closing period, identifying discrepancies and escalating issues to the relevant manager to ensure accurate payment.

• Collaborate with Finance Business Partners and BU managers post-payroll to resolve any data-related queries.
  
  

Support & Relationship Management

• Provide direct support to Services teams.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with managers and key contacts across your remit to ensure smooth payroll operations each month.

• Respond promptly to queries, providing clear updates and managing expectations around any delays.

• Contribute to achieving a 100% (5 stars) rating on the quarterly financial survey.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Support the Payroll Manager with ad-hoc tasks as required.

• Assist with audits, Freedom of Information requests, and internal HR or disciplinary processes when needed.

• Participate in system testing for payroll updates or upgrades.

THE PROFILE WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Minimum of 2 years of recent, practical experience in UK Payroll.

• Proven proficiency in using SAP Payroll systems (Experience with SAP SuccessFactors is a bonus).

• CIPP Qualification desirable (Technician level or above).

• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive employee data.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities for discrepancy resolution.

• High degree of adaptability to procedural and regulatory changes.

This hybrid role would require the successful candidate to attend at least three days a week in one of our offices in London (Surrey Quays),  Manchester (Stockport), or Northampton.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must already be eligible to work in the UK.

If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, a career at Decathlon could be a great fit. Our welcoming culture, rooted in values of vitality, responsibility, generosity, and authenticity—and brought together by a shared passion for sports—offers a truly enriching experience for everyone.

Get to enjoy the following benefits and perks:

• Hybrid Working

• Healthy employee discount on all Decathlon products

• Weekly Staff Sports/Activities

• Shareholding Scheme

• Cycle-to-Work Scheme

• Up to 25 days of holidays

• Intensive Learning and Development training via Decathlon Academy… and many more