Deputy head of HR & Payroll; M​/F

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A leader in Engineering and IT Services, present in more than 30 countries with nearly 60,000 employees, the ALTEN Group supports its clients' development strategies in the fields of innovation, R&D, and information technology systems

The Deputy Head of HR & Payroll is responsible for leading and overseeing the HR and Payroll operations across three UK entities within the shared service. Working closely with the Head of HR, the role ensures the delivery of a consistent, compliant, and high-quality HR service. The role focuses on harmonisation of processes and policies, operational excellence, team leadership, effective risk management, and continuous improvement across the shared-service function.

• Oversee day-to-day HR and Payroll operations to ensure an efficient, accurate and timely service across all three UK companies.
• Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation, internal policies, ISO requirements, and Group standards.
• Manage and improve the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring deadlines are met and data submitted by the HR team is accurate and complete.
• Maintain high standards of data integrity across all HR/Payroll systems and ensure appropriate audit controls are embedded and consistently followed.
• Act as the primary operational point of contact for HR and Payroll escalations, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.

• Lead, manage and develop the HR and Payroll operations team, ensuring performance objectives, development plans and regular feedback are in place.
• Foster a high-performing culture focused on accuracy, customer service, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the team delivers against agreed SLAs and service standards, monitoring performance and addressing gaps as required.

• Drive the harmonisation of HR practices, processes, policies and employee documentation across the three companies.
• Review, update and maintain HR policies to ensure legislative compliance, alignment with Group policies, and consistency across entities.
• Support the implementation of change initiatives, including organisational restructures, policy roll-outs, and process optimisation.

• Manage and advise on sensitive and high-risk ER cases, ensuring compliance with UK employment law and best practice.
• Provide coaching and guidance to HR colleagues and managers on ER policies, procedures and case handling.
• Escalate complex or high-risk matters to the Head of HR where necessary.

• Actively support and promote diversity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation.
• Contribute to improving employee experience through operational excellence, fair processes, and consistent service delivery.

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies, leading the design and implementation of new ways of working.
• Ensure HR reporting, metrics and management information are produced accurately and on time, supporting organisational decision‑making.

• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across the three companies, providing reliable guidance and operational support.
• Work in close partnership with the Head of HR on strategic and operational initiatives, acting as a trusted deputy when required.

• Strong experience in HR operations and payroll management within a UK environment.
• Sound knowledge of UK employment law and payroll legislation (CIPD level
  7)
• Proven experience managing teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex employee relations matters.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in process improvement and implementing HR and/or payroll systems.
• High level of professionalism and integrity.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management capabilities.
• Pr…