Payroll Operations Manager

Role: Payroll Operations Manager (Projects)

Location : St Albans – Requirement to be onsite 3 x days per week

Duration: 6 Months – Inside IR35

Day Rate: Negotiable

We have an excellent opportunity for a Payroll Ops Manager to support and lead the day-to-day delivery of a global payroll operations – With the business transitioning back into the office, this role will support with that transition and document all relevant payroll processes ensuring they are accurate, compliant and efficient payroll service across all payroll jurisdictions. The role is responsible for payroll governance, operational excellence, continuous improvement and vendor management, whilst supporting the delivery of the broader People Shared Services strategy.

The role acts as the operational lead for payroll, partnering with Finance, People, third-party providers and internal stakeholders to ensure payroll services meet business, regulatory and team member requirements. This role supports payroll transformation initiatives, including systems optimisation, controls enhancement and process simplification.

Payroll Operations & Service Delivery

• Ensure payroll outputs are accurate, timely and compliant with local legislative requirements.
• Oversee payroll calendars, reconciliations, validations and sign-off processes.
• Manage escalated payroll queries, issues and service risks.
• Monitor and report payroll KPIs, service levels and operational performance.
• Ensure effective management of off-cycle payments and payroll corrections.

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain a robust payroll control environment including SOX and audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with tax, pension, statutory and employment obligations.
• Lead payroll readiness and coordination for internal and external audits.
• Oversee year-end activities including tax reporting and statutory submissions.
• Manage payroll-related risks and implement corrective actions where required.

Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team.
• Create a culture of accountability, customer focus and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop team capability and succession plans.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Drive engagement and wellbeing across the team.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Extensive payroll management experience in a complex, multi-site organisation.
• Previous experience of managing a payroll transformation and change
• Experience of working in payroll team dealing with high volume of workers earning the national minimum wage.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, tax and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing payroll providers and outsourced payroll arrangements.
• Experience leading payroll audits and control frameworks.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capability.
• Experience improving payroll processes and systems.
• Proven people leadership experience.

Desirable

• Experience of Dayforce payroll.
• Experience of international or multi-country payrolls.
• Knowledge of SOX controls and governance frameworks.
• Experience supporting payroll transformation programmes.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll accreditation.