Job Title: Payroll Specialist / Payroll Consultant – Implementation Focus
Location: Northampton (On-site: Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
Contract: 6 Months (Contingent Contractor)
Overall Purpose of the Role
Barclays is seeking experienced Payroll Specialists to support the implementation of a new payroll system as part of a high-impact transformation project. This is not a business-as-usual (BAU) payroll role; instead, it's hands-on, project-focused work supporting the transition to Workday and delivering key elements of the payroll implementation.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the payroll system implementation (Workday)
* Perform payroll data reconciliation and validation
* Execute functional testing of payroll scenarios
* Collaborate with payroll project teams and existing payroll operations
* Liaise with offshore payroll teams (India)
* Ensure accurate system performance through testing and validation
* Develop, review, and update working instructions
* Engage with senior stakeholders, including the Global Head of Payroll
* Deliver project tasks using Access methodology, both remotely and on-site
Key Skills & Experience
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in payroll (UK and/or Irish legislation knowledge preferred)
* Strong Excel skills – must be confident with VLOOKUPs and large datasets
* Experience in payroll implementations, ideally with Workday
* Comfortable working in large organisations with high volume and pace
* Preferably CIPP qualified or part-qualified (not essential)
* Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management experience
* Ability to work independently in a fast-moving, unstructured environment
* Strong functional testing mindset and attention to detail
Working Environment
* Hybrid working model: On-site in Northampton three days a week (Mon/Tues/Fri), remote otherwise
* Fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities
* Hands-on, autonomous role with no direct reports
* Candidates must be adaptable, confident, and able to contribute immediately
About Barclays
Barclays is a British universal bank, operating across retail banking, payments, and top-tier corporate and investment banking. We’re driven by our mission to help people achieve their ambitions – in the right way.
Our Values
Respect • Integrity • Service • Excellence • Stewardship These values guide everything we do – for our clients, customers, colleagues, and communities.
Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our culture and how we operate.
Hybrid Working
This role follows Barclays' hybrid working model: 3 days on-site in Northampton, with remote work on remaining days.
Contractor Benefits (via Randstad Sourceright)
* Paid holiday entitlement
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to lifestyle and retail discounts