Payroll and Benefits Manager

Summary:

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

The London office is seeking an experienced Payroll and Benefits Manager to lead the delivery of its payroll and employee benefits function. The role has responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, compliance and timely delivery of payroll and benefits administration, together with the management and development of the London payroll and benefits team.

Working closely with HR, Finance, office leadership, business services teams and external providers, the Payroll and Benefits Manager will provide trusted technical guidance, maintain effective controls and identify opportunities to strengthen service delivery. The role will also lead the implementation of the firm’s new payroll system and ensure a controlled and effective transition into business-as-usual operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the London payroll and benefits function, setting priorities and service standards and ensuring consistently accurate, timely and confidential delivery.
• Manage, support and develop the payroll and benefits team, including workload allocation, objective setting, performance management, appraisals and training.
• Oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll process, working with the external payroll provider and internal stakeholders to ensure that payroll data is complete, accurate, appropriately authorised and processed within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain a robust payroll control framework, including approvals, exception reporting, record retention and final payroll sign-off.
• Ensure compliance with applicable UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension auto-enrolment obligations and internal policies.
• Lead the implementation of the new payroll system, including requirements definition, process design, data validation and migration, user acceptance testing, implementation planning and operational readiness in close collaboration with all relevant departments.
• Oversee the administration and delivery of the London office’s employee benefits arrangements, including pensions and insurance, working closely with the Director of Benefits on renewals, changes and initiatives.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers, benefits brokers and other third-party suppliers, monitoring performance, service standards, controls and value.
• Act as a subject matter expert on payroll and benefits matters, providing clear and practical guidance to HR, Finance, partners and employees.
• Ensure that payroll and benefits queries are handled promptly, accurately, sensitively and in accordance with the firm’s standards of client service and confidentiality.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory and market developments and assess their implications for the firm’s payroll and benefits arrangements.
• Review processes, controls and systems regularly, identifying and implementing improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency and resilience.
• Produce appropriate payroll and benefits reporting for HR, Finance and office leadership.
• Lead or contribute to other payroll, benefits and HR-related projects as required.
• Manage special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience in managing a team, including setting priorities, maintaining service standards and addressing performance management and development needs.
• Strong understanding of payroll governance, financial controls and audit requirements.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to analyse complex data and identify discrepancies or control issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the credibility to work effectively with partners, employees and external advisers.
• Excellent judgement and discretion when handling sensitive and highly confidential information.
• A proactive, organised and solutions focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and remain composed under pressure.

Experience:

• Substantial experience leading a UK payroll and employee benefits function, ideally within a law firm or another complex, high-quality professional services environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions and auto-enrolment obligations.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HR information and payroll platforms.
• A recognised professional payroll qualification, such as a CIPP qualification, would be advantageous

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.