The role
We are seeking a Payroll Administrator to join our team on a fixed-term basis, providing vital support during a period of maternity leave. This role is key to ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services for approximately 2,500 employees. The successful candidate will be responsible for processing new starters, contract amendments, leavers, and other payroll-related activities, while ensuring full compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across People management department maintaining high standards of data integrity and contributing to the smooth operation of payroll processes.
This is a fixed-term position, ending on 30 November 2026.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Bryony Goudie: bryony.harvey-woodwo@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams on week commencing 10th November 2025.
Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.
About us
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the largest Welsh Government Sponsored Body, dedicated to the sustainable management of Wales’ natural resources. Our mission is to protect and enhance the environment, support community wellbeing, and contribute to a resilient economy for current and future generations.
NRW’s pay team is comprised of two functions: the pay team and people services. Both functions have oversight by supervisors who report directly to the People and Payroll Services Manager. The team are responsible for processing a timely and accurate payroll service, maintaining the HR/Pay system, responding to pension queries and liaising with the Civil Service Pension Administrator and the Environment Agency Pension Fund (EAPF).
What you will do
As a Payroll Administrator, the successful candidate will carry out a range of specific technical and administrative duties which could include:
- processing monthly payroll changes accurately and on time, ensuring all employee data is up to date.
- maintaining and update payroll records, including starters, leavers, and contractual changes.
- ensuring compliance with statutory regulations including PAYE, NI, pensions, and statutory payments.
- responding to payroll-related queries from employees and managers, providing clear and timely resolutions
- supporting the preparation of payroll reports and reconciliations for internal and external stakeholders
- collaborating with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless data flow and alignment
- contributing to the continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems
- maintaining confidentiality and data protection standards at all times
- undertaking health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
- being committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
- being committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs)
- any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
Experience of working within a HR/Payroll environment to include:
- Good understanding of using a HR/Pay system and other software/applications to meet the requirements of your area of responsibility.
- Understanding of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.), and pensions.
- Familiarity with HMRC processes and reporting requirements.
- Knowledge of GDPR and data protection principles in relation to payroll data.
- Awareness of employment terms and conditions that impact pay (e.g. contracts, leave policies).
- Good organisational skills, methodical approach to work and good time management.
- Good written and verbal skills and the ability to communicate confidently, with excellent customer service skills.
- Good inter-personal skills with the ability to work under pressure using your own. initiative in order to meet tight deadlines.
- Strong IT, accurate data entry skills and ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Experience of implementing change or process improvement would also be advantageous.
Welsh Language level requirements
- Essential: Level A1 - Entry level
- Desirable: Level B2 - Upper intermediate level
Welsh language levels
Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Benefits
This role will offer a range of benefits, including:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
- generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
- commitment to professional development
- health and wellbeing benefits and support
- weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose
See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.
Please keep reading
We’re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We are committed to equal opportunities, and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.
We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.
We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.
