People & Payroll Specialist

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

What the role involves

The People & Payroll Coordinator ensures the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services across the employee lifecycle circa 3000 employees. Working closely with HR, Finance, and external stakeholders, you will manage end-to-end payroll processing, complex calculations, data management, and query resolution while maintaining strict confidentiality.

• Payroll Processing: Calculate adjustments, including back pay, termination payments, and statutory leave (sickness, maternity/paternity). Validate calculations and resolve discrepancies before final sign-off.

• Data & System Administration: Maintain payroll records and system updates (Zellis), process statutory documentation (P45s, court orders), and manage leaver holiday data.

• Compliance & Overpayments: Administer payroll overpayment arrangements, handle expense advances, and ensure all activities align with internal controls and audit requirements.

• Stakeholder Support: Resolve complex payroll queries for employees and managers. Provide cross-functional operational cover for pensions and expenses administration during peak periods.

Key Skills & Experience

• Payroll Expertise: Proven experience in a payroll administration role with a strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation (PAYE, NI, and statutory entitlements).

• Analytical Ability: Strong numerical skills with high attention to detail for handling complex calculations and data validation.

• Communication: Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll information clearly and professionally.

• Discretion: Proven ability to manage sensitive, confidential data appropriately.

• Systems (Desirable): Experience using Zellis or similar payroll software within an HR shared services environment.

How we'll look after you

• We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Financial Wellbeing – Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology

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If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.