Payroll & HR Integration Specialist (starting at 12-Month Contract)Location: Leatherhead, UK Company: Zoetis Reports to: Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) - Market Working Pattern: Hybrid (Flexible in-office and remote arrangements)About ZoetisZoetis is a global leader in animal health, dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of animals worldwide. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and improving animal care, Zoetis develops vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products that help veterinarians and livestock producers deliver optimal outcomes. Joining Zoetis means contributing to a purpose-driven organisation where science, collaboration, and integrity come together to make a difference in animals' lives.About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Payroll & HR Integration Specialist to join our Human Resources team on an initial 12-month contract, starting immediately. This role offers a unique opportunity to support a recent acquisition and drive integration activities across Payroll and wider HR operations.You will have full accountability for UK payroll operations, working closely with a global payroll provider to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing. Alongside payroll, you will contribute to HR functions including benefits administration, employee lifecycle support, recruitment, HR advisory, and reporting.This is a hands-on, individual contributor role within an agile HR team, offering exposure to multiple projects, systems, and stakeholders. You will help ensure consistent HR policy application, maintain compliance with UK legislation, and support continuous improvement of HR and payroll processes.Key Responsibilities1. Payroll Integration & TransformationSupport payroll and HR integration activities following a recent acquisitionHarmonise payroll systems, processes, and data across entitiesAlign HR policies, procedures, and employee data to ensure organisational consistencyCollaborate with Finance, HR teams, and external payroll providers to ensure seamless payroll deliveryIdentify and resolve discrepancies, integration challenges, and process gapsSupport compliance with UK employment law, tax regulations, and internal policiesParticipate in payroll and HR system testing, validation, and reportingProvide guidance to stakeholders throughout the integration lifecycleContribute to continuous improvement of payroll and HR operations2. Payroll AdministrationManage end-to-end payroll processes, including pre- and post-payroll activitiesCoordinate with external payroll vendors to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payrollMaintain payroll inputs, reconciliations, and reportingPrepare payroll records for audits, finance, and management reviewEnsure timely submission of statutory requirements, including PAYESupport year-end payroll processes and reporting obligationsIdentify process improvements to harmonise payroll practices3. Benefits AdministrationManage payroll-related benefit deductions and tax implicationsOversee reconciliations, payments, and reporting for benefits and pensionsAdminister pensions, company car fleet, allowances, and annual share option plansCoordinate benefit plan administration, enrolments, and reportingLiaise with external providers to ensure accuracy and compliance4. Workforce Administration & HR OperationsMaintain employee data within Workday (HRIS) accuratelyManage HR transactions: onboarding, hiring, transfers, promotions, and exitsEnsure proper documentation and archiving of employee recordsTrack holidays, sick leave, and absence data accuratelyOversee contingent worker population and ensure Workday data accuracySupport Works Council processes and HR governanceContribute to HR system optimisation and knowledge management5. Recruitment & Onboarding SupportAssist HRBP and hiring managers with recruitment activitiesManage job postings, offers, contracts, and background checksSupport onboarding of new hires and internal/international transfersEnsure compliance with DE&I principles and UK regulations6. Employee & Manager SupportAct as point of contact for HR and payroll queriesResolve employee and manager inquiries efficiently, escalating complex issues as neededEnsure timely, high-quality resolution and maintain empathy in communicationsContribute to knowledge management and continuous improvement initiatives7. Additional ResponsibilitiesSupport HR governance, compliance, and change programmesAssist with employee engagement, cultural initiatives, and special projectsTake ownership of HR and payroll initiatives within the teamEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field (preferred)Proven experience managing payroll operations end-to-end (essential)Experience in a multinational or global organisation (preferred)Strong knowledge of HR processes, UK employment law, and payroll legislationExperience in talent management, recruitment, compensation & benefits, and HR data administrationPharmaceutical or animal health industry experience advantageousExperience managing HR or payroll-related projects strongly preferredSkills & CompetenciesExcellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skillsStrong communication in multicultural, international environmentsHigh confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standardsAnalytical, detail-oriented, and problem-solving mindsetAbility to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlinesProactive, self-motivated, and results-drivenStrong business acumen and customer service mindsetIndependent worker with initiative in a fast-paced environmentExperience with HR systems (Workday preferred)Proficiency in Microsoft OfficeWhy Join Zoetis?This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced, transformational environment, supporting integration projects while gaining exposure across HR and payroll operations. Zoetis offers a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, hybrid working flexibility, and the chance to contribute to meaningful work that improves the health and well-being of animals worldwide.About Zoetis At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.Global Job Applicant Privacy NoticeJBRP1_UKTJ