Head of Payroll

Head of Payroll £35.88 per hour PAYE | £48.99 per hour Umbrella Location: London / Hybrid – 1 day a week onsite Contract: end Date February 2027 – possible extension beyond this We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Payroll to join a large and complex organisation in London on a hybrid basis. This is a senior payroll leadership role with responsibility for the overall accuracy, compliance and delivery of UK and overseas payroll, alongside leading a team and driving continuous improvement across the payroll function. Key responsibilities * Lead and manage the payroll team, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery * Oversee monthly payroll, gross-to-net sign-off, HMRC/statutory submissions and year-end processes * Manage pension auto-enrolment, payroll deductions, reconciliations and third-party payments * Ensure robust payroll controls, procedures, audit compliance and exception reporting * Drive process improvement, efficiency and payroll transformation * Work closely with HR, Finance, senior stakeholders, auditors and external providers * Manage complex payroll issues and ensure a high-quality, customer-focused service * Lead and support change across payroll systems, processes and ways of working About you We're looking for an experienced payroll leader with: * Significant experience managing complex, high-volume payroll operations * Strong UK payroll, HMRC, pensions and statutory compliance knowledge * Experience leading and developing payroll teams * Proven experience delivering payroll process improvement and change * Strong reconciliation, controls and audit experience * Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders * Experience working across multiple HR/payroll systems * A calm, solutions-focused approach and the ability to perform under pressure * CIPP Foundation Degree and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt This is an excellent opportunity for a Head of Payroll looking for a challenging leadership position within a large and complex organisation. Interested? Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion