We are partnering with a well-established, multi-site consumer business to appoint their first Head of Payroll. This is a hybrid role based in Central London, with in-office attendance expected for three days per week until January 2027, moving to 100% office-based thereafter. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will own payroll strategy and operations, leading the transition from an outsourced payroll provider to a fully in-house function and establishing the processes, controls, and governance needed to support future growth.
Initially, the role will be hands-on, with responsibility for the accurate and timely delivery of end-to-end payroll for approximately 200 employees. You will process payroll for permanent employees and self-employed workers, including commissions, variable pay, and TRONC arrangements. You will evaluate, select, and oversee the implementation of a new payroll system, while acting as the organisation’s payroll subject matter expert for payroll legislation, compliance, and best practice, ensuring payroll remains compliant with applicable requirements and internal policies.
To succeed, you should have significant end-to-end payroll experience at Payroll Manager/Head of Payroll level or equivalent, including experience bringing payroll in-house and/or implementing a payroll system. You should have strong knowledge of payroll legislation, governance, controls, and compliance, along with experience in multi-site environments (ideally within customer-facing sectors). You will bring confident stakeholder management skills to influence senior leadership, a strategic mindset balanced with the ability to stay hands-on, and a track record of improving payroll processes, controls, and operational efficiency, with the leadership capability to develop and shape the payroll function over time.