Senior payroll Specialist

.Who We Are At Ultimate Performance, excellence is the standard, not the exception. We are a luxury, globally expanding personal training and fitness brand, operating across major international markets. We deliver highly personalised, results-driven training experiences built on world-class expertise, precision, and discretion. Behind every exceptional client experience is a business that operates with the same level of discipline and attention to detail.

Payroll is fundamental to that standard. As we continue to scale internationally, we are looking for an experienced Payroll Supervisor to take ownership of payroll operations across a complex, multi-entity environment and ensure our people are paid accurately, on time, and in full.

The Role Reporting to the Global Payroll Manager, the Payroll Supervisor will play a key role in the delivery and continuous improvement of payroll across our UK and international entities. This is a senior, hands-on position for someone who combines strong technical payroll expertise with excellent operational judgement. You will oversee day-to-day payroll delivery, manage systems and controls, lead a small team, and work closely with Finance, HR, and operational stakeholders across multiple regions.

You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, confidentiality, and operational control, while identifying opportunities to simplify, automate, and strengthen our payroll processes as the business continues to grow. This role will suit someone who thrives in a high-performance environment, takes genuine ownership of their work, and is motivated by getting the detail right.

What Youll Do Own end-to-end payroll delivery across UK and international entities, ensuring payroll is accurate, timely, compliant, and delivered in line with internal controls. Oversee payroll systems and processes , including ADP and internal platforms, identifying risks, resolving issues, and improving automation and system utilisation. Manage payroll cycles and stakeholder communication , working closely with Regional and Gym Managers to resolve discrepancies, communicate deadlines, and ensure smooth payroll delivery.

Review and govern payroll outputs across all entities, maintaining high standards of accuracy, consistency, confidentiality, and control. Drive continuous improvement across payroll processes, identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce manual intervention, strengthen controls, and create scalable solutions for international growth. Improve international payroll processes , including the handling of international leavers, US payroll requirements, promotions, salary changes, and other employee movements.

Lead and develop the payroll team , providing direction, training, and support while building strong processes, accountability, and knowledge-sharing across the team. Partner with Finance, HR, and operational teams across all regions, acting as a trusted point of contact and improving payroll understanding across the wider business. Support the Global Payroll Manager with wider payroll requirements and projects, including Support Office payroll where required.

What Were Looking For Were looking for someone who is technically strong, commercially aware, and takes genuine ownership of delivering payroll to the highest standard. Proven experience in a Payroll Supervisor, Senior Payroll, or similar role, ideally within a fast-paced or growing organisation. Experience managing payroll across multiple entities, jurisdictions, or international markets is highly desirable. Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems and processes, with ADP experience advantageous.

Advanced Excel skills, with experience in Power BI or similar data and reporting tools considered a strong advantage. Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy, control, compliance, and accountability. Confident and credible communicator, with the ability to build effective relationships and manage stakeholders at all levels. Proven experience leading, managing, mentoring, or developing a payroll team. A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with a genuine commitment to continuous improvement, process optimisation, and automation.

Comfortable operating in a high-performance, deadline-driven environment, with the ability to manage competing priorities without compromising quality. What we value At UP, we believe in high standards and personal accountability. We look for people…