Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Location: Southend-On-Sea

Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist £Competitive | 46 Month Interim Contract | Southampton (3 days per week initially) The Company Our client is an established international business with operations across the UK and overseas. They are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join them on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition during a period of change within the payroll function.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands-on payroll professional who enjoys improving processes, working autonomously and making a real impact within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The Role Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you will take ownership of the end-to-end UK payroll while coordinating outsourced international payrolls across several global locations. This is a hands-on position requiring someone who can quickly pick up responsibility, ensure payroll accuracy and document robust payroll processes for the future. This is a key assignment where you'll work closely with Payroll, Finance and People teams to ensure continuity of service whilst developing standard operating procedures from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities Manage the end-to-end UK payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing. Coordinate outsourced payrolls across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India and the USA. Administer employee benefits and share schemes. Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and statutory returns. Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders. Develop and document payroll processes and standard operating procedures. Work with payroll and HR systems including Infinet Cloud, Deel, Net Suite and HiBob.

Collaborate closely with Finance and People teams to support payroll operations and continuous improvement. About You To be successful, you will have:
Proven experience personally managing complex end-to-end UK payroll processing. Experience working with outsourced international payroll providers. Knowledge of one or more payroll/HR systems such as Infinet Cloud, Deel, Net Suite or HiBob. CIPP qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience. Experience administering employee benefits and share schemes. The ability to create and document payroll processes from scratch. Excellent attention to detail with a calm, methodical and organised approach.

The ability to work independently and quickly become productive within a busy environment. Salary & Location 46 month interim contract Competitive day rate/salary depending on experience Southampton Hybrid working You must be able to work three days per week in the Southampton office for the first five weeks . This requirement is non-negotiable due to the handover period. Immediate start preferred.