Payroll Manager

CMA Recruitment Group is delighted to be supporting a confidential, rapidly growing organisation with the appointment of a newly created Payroll Manager position.

Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a pivotal leadership role within a business undergoing significant transformation following a series of acquisitions and continued growth. You'll take ownership of the payroll function while driving the development of reporting, analytics, controls and process improvements across a complex, multi-site operation. This role has been created as part of a wider finance transformation programme designed to build a scalable, high-performing finance function.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious payroll leader who enjoys operating in a fast-paced environment and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of a growing business.

• Leading, developing and motivating a payroll team, including a Payroll Manager and Payroll Officers
• Ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll across multiple sites and business entities
• Taking ownership of payroll compliance, statutory requirements, pensions and year-end processes
• Developing meaningful payroll and workforce reporting to support business decision-making
• Producing analysis on payroll costs, headcount, overtime, absence and other workforce metrics
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives, automation and process optimisation
• Supporting wider business transformation and integration projects
• Working closely with Finance, HR and operational stakeholders to improve data quality and reporting accuracy
• Establishing robust controls, governance and best practice throughout the payroll function
• Acting as the senior payroll subject matter expert across the organisation

• Proven experience leading a payroll function within a complex, multi-site organisation
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, pensions and compliance requirements
• Demonstrable experience managing and developing teams
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to turn data into meaningful insights
• Previous involvement in process improvement, systems implementation or transformation projects
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence at senior level
• Commercially minded, proactive and adaptable approach
• Experience with in a care, healthcare, hospitality, retail or similar multi-site environment would be advantageous but is not essential

• Newly created leadership role with significant scope to shape the function
• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• Opportunity to drive change within a growing and evolving organisation
• Long-term career development prospects
• Hybrid working environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Due to the confidential nature of this assignment, further details will be provided to suitable applicants during the recruitment process.

CMA Recruitment Group is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role.

CMA complies with all relevant UK legislation and doesn’t discriminate on any protected characteristics.