Payroll Manager

Overview

A leading global consultancy is seeking a Payroll Manager for a 12-month fixed-term contract based in London. This role focuses on both UK payroll management and EMEA-wide payroll transformation initiatives, with collaboration across international teams to streamline processes and drive operational excellence. The position offers a hybrid working model, a culture that promotes inclusivity and professional growth, and opportunities to optimise payroll operations and contribute to meaningful change.

• Oversee the collection and documentation of all monthly payroll input data for the UK operation, ensuring every amendment—such as new starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, benefits, overtime, unpaid leave, and company maternity pay—is accurately processed.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related queries within the UK organisation while providing support for EMEA-focused payroll issues as they arise.
• Manage statutory calculations including Statutory Sick Pay, Statutory Maternity Pay, and Statutory Paternity Pay with precision and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with the Global Payroll team based in the US to ensure timely and accurate completion of payroll cycles by running pre-payroll checks and resolving anomalies.
• Support employees with all payroll queries and partner with the Benefits Manager to address pay-related benefits questions efficiently.
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC reporting requirements by managing submissions and maintaining up-to-date records.
• Assist in establishing new payroll systems and processes across other EMEA offices as part of ongoing expansion or transformation efforts.
• Lead initiatives aimed at optimising and standardising payroll processes throughout EMEA by identifying opportunities for automation, system enhancements, and vendor consolidation.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and integrations between payroll platforms, HRIS solutions, and finance systems to improve efficiency.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), and other metrics to track payroll performance across regions.

• Your proven track record as a Payroll Manager with deep technical knowledge of complex systems like ADP or Oracle, plus practical experience navigating UK regulations such as PAYE and NIC.
• Analytical mindset with strong academic credentials in Maths and English, enabling accurate data interpretation and attention to detail.
• Project management expertise to oversee implementations or migrations across multiple teams or geographies.
• Advanced Excel skills to manipulate large data sets efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate clearly at all levels and build trust with stakeholders across HR, Finance, Legal, and external providers.
• Discretion when handling confidential information and a reliable partner within HR, Finance, Legal departments as well as external vendors.
• Enthusiasm for continuous improvement and the ability to contribute strategically by identifying opportunities for optimisation.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex payroll systems such as ADP or Oracle within a professional services environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of PAYE and NIC legislation for regulatory navigation.
• Familiarity with EMEA payrolls—particularly German processes—is advantageous but not mandatory; willingness to learn regional nuances is valued.
• Proven project management skills, especially relating to payroll implementations or system migrations with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong academic background in Maths and English to underpin analytical problem-solving.
• Advanced Excel proficiency for handling large datasets with high accuracy.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality outputs with attention to detail and reliability as a team member.
• Ability to prioritise tasks under pressure to meet deadlines while ensuring quality and compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal communication to build credibility at all levels, including senior management.
• Discretion with sensitive information and a commitment to confidentiality and trustworthiness.

This…