Michael Page Finance
Great opportunity within the retail sector to take full payroll ownership of a high performing, large UK outfit. This is initially a fixed term contract with a likelihood of a permanent transition.
Client Details
Our Client
- A UK leading organisation, employing more than 10,000 employees domestically
- Large geographical presence up and down the UK
- High performing payroll function with deep integration with HR and Finance operations
- Roots within Suffolk and Cambridgeshire
Description
(FTC) Payroll Manager
- Oversee day to day delivery of accurate, compliant and timely payroll services
- Maintain effective payroll processes, controls, and governance to ensure legislative and company compliance.
- Support the ongoing development and optimisation of payroll systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Provide expertise and operational support for payroll-related change initiatives, system enhancements, and business projects.
- Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team, promoting service excellence and continuous improvement.
- Monitor payroll performance, risks, and service metrics, ensuring issues are identified and resolved effectively.
- Build strong relationships with HR, Finance, Technology teams, external providers, and regulatory bodies to support operational delivery.
- Support audit, compliance, and regulatory activities, ensuring payroll remains audit-ready and aligned with changing legislation.
Profile
(FTC) Payroll Manager
Need to be within a commutable distance of the office (Suffolk) for 3x days per week in the office
Immediately available or happy to commence an initial FTC term
- Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments, pensions, and compliance obligations.
- Experience managing payroll within a shared services, outsourced, or high-volume environment.
- A track record of delivering accurate payroll services while maintaining effective controls, governance, and risk management.
- Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams, build capability, and create a positive, customer-focused culture.
- Experience supporting payroll-related change, including system implementations, process improvements, and business transformation initiatives.
- Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, HR, Finance, Technology teams, and external service providers.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data and insights to improve performance and service delivery.
- Experience managing audits, regulatory reviews, and compliance activities.
- Personal Attributes
- Collaborative and pragmatic approach to leadership.
- Resilient and calm under pressure, particularly during critical payroll periods.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Commercially aware, balancing operational excellence with business priorities.
- Credible and influential communicator, able to build trust at all levels.
- Proactive, organised, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Job Offer
(FTC) Payroll Manager
- Salary: c. £50,000 – £60,000 (dependent on experience)
- Initial 9 month interim term (likelihood of extension / permanent transition)
- 3x days per week on site (full time position)
- Free parking on site (Suffolk)
- 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
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