Payroll Manager / People Services Lead
Interim / Fixed-Term Opportunity | Senior Leadership Role | Band 8a

We are supporting a large and complex organisation in appointing an experienced Payroll Manager / People Services Lead to take ownership of a critical function during a key period of change.

This is a high-impact leadership role, suited to an individual who can quickly establish credibility, stabilise services, strengthen controls, and drive continuous improvement across a multi-layered payroll environment.

The Role

Reporting into senior leadership, you will lead the payroll function, ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll via outsourced providers.

You will act as the strategic lead for payroll operations, working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to improve performance, enhance governance, and shape future service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery through outsourced service providers
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) within a live payroll procurement / re-tender exercise
• Strengthen internal processes, controls, and governance frameworks
• Drive improvements in customer service and employee experience
• Lead system and service enhancements, ensuring effective use of payroll platforms
• Act as the strategic interface between HR, Finance, and external payroll providers
• Oversee and manage provider performance, including SLAs and KPIs

About You

You are a credible and experienced payroll leader with a strong track record of operating in complex environments and delivering improvement at pace.

Key Requirements

• Extensive payroll expertise, including:
• Complex terms and conditions
• Pensions administration
• Statutory regulations (tax, NI, statutory leave, deductions, etc.)
• Proven experience leading a payroll function, including outsourced provider oversight
• Strong experience managing SLAs, KPIs, and supplier relationships
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including team development and performance management through change
• Experience in stabilising services and driving operational improvement in challenging environments
• Strong knowledge of payroll systems, data integrity, audit, and financial controls
• Ability to operate as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on payroll, compliance, and workforce matters

What Will Set You Apart

• Ability to hit the ground running and deliver quickly
• A hands-on, detail-focused approach with strong governance and compliance mindset
• Proven success in service transformation and continuous improvement
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across senior and executive levels

The Opportunity

This is a high-profile assignment offering significant scope to influence, improve, and shape payroll services within a complex organisation. It will suit a candidate who thrives on challenge, transformation, and delivering measurable outcomes.