Position Title: Head of Payroll
Department: Payroll
Reports to: CEO
Seniority Level: Head of Department
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Office-based
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: Starting at 50,000 per annum
Role Overview
The Head of Payroll is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll operations across Government Contracts, Payroll Services, and SaaS Divisions. You will lead the team, ensure payroll compliance with UK legislation, drive innovation through technology adoption, and support commercial growth through expert contribution to tenders and client engagements. Give insight and support software team in the ongoing SAAS build. This role is key to enhancing service quality, delivering operational excellence, and informing product development in a growing and dynamic business.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage payroll operations across three business areas: Government Contracts, Payroll Services, and SaaS Software.
* Design and implement payroll strategies, processes, and policies that support compliance, efficiency, and scalability.
* Ensure full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements (e.g., PAYE, NI, pensions, RTI, TUPE, gender pay reporting).
* Act as a strategic advisor to the executive team on payroll risk, innovation, and compliance.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, handling escalations and complex payroll issues.
* Guide and contribute to the development of the company’s SaaS payroll software roadmap based on industry trends and user needs.
* Lead and contribute to commercial tender responses and service design for public and private sector payroll contracts.
* Develop and implement training, coaching, and professional development plans for payroll staff.
* Generate insightful payroll reporting and data analysis to inform executive decision-making.
* Collaborate closely with software, HR, finance, and commercial teams to align payroll with wider business goals.
Key Requirements
Required Skills & Experience
* In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, systems, and end-to-end operations.
* Proven track record of leading multi-disciplinary and geographically dispersed payroll teams.
* Strong understanding of payroll software platforms and automation technologies.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including client-facing experience.
* Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and implement system changes.
* Commercial experience, including involvement in public sector tenders and client contract negotiations.
* Data-driven mindset with the ability to generate and interpret performance and compliance reports.
* Experience in contributing to or leading product development initiatives (desirable in SaaS/payroll tech).
Qualifications
* CIPP qualification or equivalent advanced payroll certification strongly preferred.
* Degree in business, finance, HR, or related discipline is desirable.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a growing business at a pivotal time. As Head of Payroll, you will shape the future of our service delivery and technology. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and senior leadership, contribute to innovation in the payroll space, and make a measurable impact on both our clients and our internal capabilities.