Payroll Manager (Transformation)

Stanton House are partnering with a global professional services organisation undertaking a major transformation of its payroll operating model. They are looking for a Payroll Manager to join on a Fixed Term Contract to help drive payroll activities and support the ongoing transformation.

Role: Payroll Manager – Transformation

12-month FTC (Fixed Term Contract)

Salary: £55k-£75k DOE + Bonus & Benefits

Location: Hybrid role with 3 days a week in the office (Newcastle is preferred location, however they have a number of offices across the UK)

Start Date: ASAP

Role

Operating across multiple regions and employing thousands of people globally, the business is implementing a new global payroll managed service model while continuing to evolve its people and finance technology landscape. This role sits within a high-profile programme and offers the opportunity to combine operational payroll leadership with meaningful transformation activity.

This opportunity is suited to an experienced payroll manager who is equally comfortable overseeing day-to-day payroll operations and supporting business change initiatives.

The position will take ownership of payroll delivery across the US and Canada, managing a small regional team while acting as a key stakeholder within a wider payroll transformation programme. The successful candidate will provide operational leadership, maintain service excellence, and support the ongoing migration towards a global managed payroll solution.

The role is UK-based with regular collaboration across North American time zones . You will need to work East Coast US/Canadian time zones from the UK

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations across the US and Canada , ensuring accurate and compliant payroll delivery for a large employee population.
• Manage and develop a team of payroll professionals based across North America.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on payroll operations, risks and programme progress.
• Support the ongoing implementation of a global managed payroll service model.
• Work closely with internal transformation teams, payroll specialists and external providers to deliver project milestones.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops to define future-state payroll processes and operating models.
• Manage payroll compliance relating to US and Canadian legislation, taxation and statutory requirements.
• Drive process standardisation and continuous improvement across the payroll function.

Requirements

• Extensive experience managing complex US and Canadian payroll opera tions in a large, global business .
• Proven ability to balance operational payroll leadership alongside transformation or change initiatives.
• Demonstrable experience managing payroll-related projects , process improvement initiatives or outsourcing programmes.
• Experience supporting payroll managed service implementations or vendor transitions – CloudPay experience a bonus
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence and credibility to engage senior business leaders.
• Strong understanding of US payroll legislation, taxation and compliance requirements.
• Experience working within multinational or globally matrixed organisations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive outcomes.
• Advanced Excel and payroll reporting capabilities.

Package

• £55,000 - £75,000 base salary dependent on experience.
• 12-month Fixed Term Contract with strong likelihood of extension or permanent conversion.
• Profit share scheme, typically delivering an additional 8-10% of salary paid bi-annually.
• 9% pension (Employer pension contribution of 6% with a 3% employee contribution)
• Private healthcare.
• Life assurance.
• Income protection and additional insurance benefits.
• Hybrid working with three days per week in the office.