Head of Payroll

We are looking for an experienced Head of Payroll to join our HR Services team. This is a pivotal role responsible for the delivery of end‑to‑end employee payments processes within the Business Services Function, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant execution of all employee payments.

You will work closely with Employee Services, payroll teams, governance and audit partners to ensure that all employee lifecycle changes affecting pay are processed correctly. You will oversee payments delivery, legislative compliance, improvements to the Hire‑to‑Retire (H2R) process design and act as the subject matter lead for enhancements to our systems and controls.

As a senior member of the team, you will provide strategic input across process, people and technology, ensuring initiatives are implemented effectively. Collaboration with the Global Process Owner (GPO), operational teams and key stakeholders will be essential in driving continuous improvement and maintaining strong governance.

Your work will also play an integral part in supporting the wider Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) programme.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver a world‑class employee payments service
Lead the team responsible for accurate and timely delivery of all Employee Payments
Work with internal and external bodies to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements (e.g., HMRC, Inland Revenue)
Stay up‑to‑date with changes to legislation impacting Employee Payments
Ensure employees are reimbursed and paid correctly, managing any escalations
Partner with Reward to support pay and reward initiatives and governance
Ensure agreed performance metrics and KPIs are met
SME lead for EP processes, ensuring alignment between the Success Factors Business Lead and the H2R GPO
Drive continuous improvement and process enhancement
Act as the senior escalation point for the team
Lead process mapping, documentation and control enhancements in line with audit requirements
Contribute to onboarding, training and development of team members
Support workforce planning and succession planning
Champion career development and identify growth opportunities for the team
Represent the function professionally across internal and external meetings

People Management

This role includes formal line management responsibilities, including coaching, developing and supporting team members in their professional growth.

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

Analytical, proactive and highly organised
Able to manage complex processes at scale
Comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and driving improvement
Skilled at leading teams through change
Motivated by delivering high‑quality, compliant and customer‑centric services