Payroll Lead

KAEFER UK and Ireland

Count on us.

Job title: Payroll Lead

Location: Aberdeen

Contract type: Full time Permanent

• At KAEFER, our success is built on our values and culture, which creates a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. We prioritise growth and development, with abundant opportunities for advancement and a commitment to promoting from within. Our wide range of job openings, including entry-level positions, allows for the first steps on the ladder to success. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our employees throughout their careers.

• The Opportunity

• We are looking for a meticulous and proactive Senior Payroll Controller to lead payroll operations across our offshore assets and onshore gas facilities. This role is pivotal in ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with UK employment and tax law, and will oversee a small team of Payroll Advisors.

• You’ll be responsible for managing payroll cycles, ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and supporting a diverse workforce that includes rotational an ad/hoc offshore crews, onshore teams, and international contractors

How you will make an impact

• Oversee payroll processing for offshore and onshore personnel, including rotational schedules, allowances, and overtime
• Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, HMRC regulations,
• Ensure full compliance with ESA and NAECI terms, including pay rates, working hours, and benefit entitlement
• Manage payroll for multiple entities and locations, including FPSOs and onshore sites.
• Collaborate with HR, Logistics and Operations to maintain accurate employee data, contracts, and shift records
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and statutory reporting for internal and external stakeholders

What you will bring

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (CIPP or CPP certification preferred)
• Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in the energy or offshore sector
• Experience managing payroll for rotational workers and shift-based teams
• Strong knowledge of international payroll regulations, tax treaties, and expatriate compensation
• Advanced Excel skills
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and confidentiality
• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex payroll cycles
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Why KAEFER?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, E, C&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles.

The company has twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.4 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 contracts internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company with common values and many diverse and individual voices. We make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work - after all when it counts, count on us!

Our Values unite us as a team, they serve as the foundation of everything we do. They define who we are, guide our actions, and inspire us to be our best every day – they are Ambition, Team Spirit, Respect and Reliability.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and comes with the following benefits:

Financial benefits

• Competitive salary reviewed annually
• Pension based on minimum of 5% from employee, 7.5% from KAEFER
• Discretionary, non-contractual, company bonus scheme (annual)
• Long term service reward
• Life cover (x3 annual salary)
• Company Discount Scheme (Pluxee)

Work life balance

• 33 days annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays) based on full time contract
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave per year

Health, Happiness and Family

• BUPA healthcare assessment, after 2 years service and every 3 years thereafter
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Line with access to external counsellor
• Company funded eye tests (VDU and safety glasses)
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Company paid sick leave following probationary period

Learning & Development

• Support to build your professional development plan to grow and evolve with us
• Payment towards annual professional fees and CPD relevant to roles

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and a team that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences, where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you’d like to discuss our recruitment process further, or need support during the application stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Unsolicited CVs sent by recruitment agencies will be considered the property of KAEFER UK and Ireland and no fee will be payable.