Payroll Specialist

Because we strive to put people first. Culture, our way. 

People and Culture at Primark

Our team has created a workplace of inspiration and growth. Be a part of building an inclusive and empowering culture, where every colleague’s unique abilities are recognised and celebrated. Collaborate with a team committed to the wellbeing of our workforce and define what it means to work at Primark.

What You’ll Do as a Payroll Specialist
In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll for over 33,000 UK colleagues, ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Support and oversee payroll operations, including monitoring deadlines, mitigating risks, and providing cover for Payroll Manager during critical tasks.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies and supporting BAU projects, legislative updates, and system enhancements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Global Payroll, Compliance, and Governance teams to maintain consistent, compliant payroll practices.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering knowledge of payroll processes, year-end obligations, pension rules, and statutory reporting.
• Ensure accuracy in financial reconciliations and third-party payments, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and demonstrating Primark values.

What You’ll Get 

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let’s talk lifestyle:   

Let’s talk lifestyle: Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.  

What You’ll Do as a Payroll Specialist
In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:

• Deliver accurate and timely payroll for over 33,000 UK colleagues, ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Support and oversee payroll operations, including monitoring deadlines, mitigating risks, and providing cover for Payroll Manager during critical tasks.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies and supporting BAU projects, legislative updates, and system enhancements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Global Payroll, Compliance, and Governance teams to maintain consistent, compliant payroll practices.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering knowledge of payroll processes, year-end obligations, pension rules, and statutory reporting.
• Ensure accuracy in financial reconciliations and third-party payments, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and demonstrating Primark values.

What You’ll Bring  

Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular:

• Extensive payroll expertise with 5+ years’ experience (or 2+ in payroll plus 3+ in related industries), including strong knowledge of tax regulations, statutory returns, pensions, and year-end processes.
• Proficient in SAP Payroll and MS Excel, with intermediate-level technical skills to manage complex payroll operations and reconciliations.
• Leadership and decision-making ability, capable of leading by example, making routine decisions, and knowing when to escalate issues.
• Organized and detail-oriented, able to remain calm under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, supporting training and coaching of team members.
• Continuous improvement mindset, demonstrating flexibility, problem-solving skills, and commitment to Primark values, ethics, and compliance.

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’ll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we’re excited about our future - and we’re excited to develop yours.  

About Primark 

At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.  

 If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist. 

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss. 

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.

If you require extra support at any stage of the selection process, please get in touch with our team at removingbarriers@primark.co.uk.