Head of payroll

We are exclusively partnering with one of our global, highly regarded clients to identify a visionary Senior HR executive with profound expertise in payroll and personnel administration to join their UK head office.

As a key leader in the people function you will operate across both strategic and operational axes, so this high-profile role offers a substantial remit, international collaboration, and the significant independence required to drive major transformation initiatives.

The successful candidate will position the payroll function as a true business partner utilising data, technology, and emerging AI to optimise costs, mitigate risks, and enhance the overall employee experience whilst ensuring the seamless, compliant delivery of full-scope payroll, time, and personal administration services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set a meaningful vision and objectives for the UK team, ensuring close alignment with overarching global business strategies.
• Ensure all Reward Operations services are delivered on time, to quality, and within cost parameters, while maintaining absolute compliance with UK legislation and GDPR.
• Lead the assessment, feasibility, and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into operations to maximise efficiency while robustly managing associated risks.
• Foster international harmonisation and standardisation, ensuring the UK function contributes effectively to global projects and works seamlessly with Global Business Services.
• Resource, develop, and inspire your team. Promote well-being and work-life balance as the cultural norm, actively improving engagement levels and developing individual competencies.
• Cultivate an environment of continuous improvement and innovation, actively detecting and eliminating non-added-value activities.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role with exceptional people management skills and a track record of inspiring large teams.
• Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax regulations, and compliance.
• Robust familiarity with payroll software, HRIS, and HCM systems (experience with SAP and Workday is highly advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience leading significant operational projects underpinned by recognised change management methodologies.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Relevant professional payroll certifications would be a distinct advantage.