Head of Payroll | Leading Bakery/Food Chain 🥯🥪
About the Company:
A leading, multi-million, Family-Owned Food/QSR/Baked-Good Retail Chain producing high-quality food-to-go across 100+ sites in the UK are currently growing its teams across its units. A real high-street success story driven by quality, value, and a people-first culture, the company are a genuine example of an employee-first culture; now bringing their operations in-house.
About the Role :
They're currently seeking an experienced and commercially-driven Head of Payroll to take full ownership of the payroll function across their fast-paced, multi-site business of 1k+ employees. This is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance, while also driving improvements in processes, systems, and financial control.
A key part of the role will be reviewing, managing, and enhancing their current payroll processes and rota scheduling systems to ensure they are robust, scalable, and fit for purpose. You will lead and develop the Payroll Manager, implement strong governance and controls, and work closely with Finance and Operations to drive accountability and improve labour cost performance across the business.
Key Responsibilities:
● Lead and oversee the end-to-end payroll function for a workforce of 1,000+ employees
● Manage and develop the Payroll Manager, ensuring high standards, accuracy, and accountability ● Review, manage, and improve current payroll processes and rota scheduling systems
● Implement robust controls, checks, and governance across all payroll activity
● Ensure payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in full compliance with all legislation
● Introduce new processes and efficiencies to reduce risk and improve operational performance
● Produce payroll forecasts and provide clear insight into labour costs and trends
● Work closely with wider SLT to monitor payroll spend & hold teams accountable for budgets
● Partner with Finance to support budgeting, reporting, and cost control initiatives
● Ensure full compliance with HMRC requirements and employment legislation
● Act as the key point of contact for payroll audits, escalations, and continuous improvement initiatives
Requirements:
● Strong experience in a payroll management or leadership role
● Experience operating within a large organisation
● Strong understanding of payroll legislation, compliance, and best practice
● Proven track record of improving payroll processes and systems
● Experience working with rota scheduling systems and labour planning tools
● Strong leadership experience, with the ability to manage and develop teams
● Commercially aware, with the ability to analyse data and influence decision-making
● Excellent organisational and communication skills & high level of accuracy/attention to detail
What They're Looking For:
They're looking for someone who can take ownership of the payroll function, challenge existing ways of working, and bring structure, control, and visibility to both payroll and labour planning. This role requires a confident and proactive individual who can hold departments accountable, whilst working collaboratively to drive improvements and support the wider business.
What’s on Offer:
● Up to £60k base + 29 days holiday (28 days + 1 day for your Birthday) + Pension Scheme + Employment Benefit Scheme & Discounts + 24/7 Wellbeing Support