Head of Payroll

Kiwa Group; Bishop's Cleeve; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification is on the lookout for a Head of Payroll. This strategic role is perfect for a payroll professional eager to lead and innovate payroll operations across various countries. You will manage payroll for over 700 employees in the UK while ensuring compliance and accuracy in submissions. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and employee benefits. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering personal development and inclusivity, where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on the organization and its people. This is an exciting opportunity to shape payroll excellence in a forward-thinking company.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Private Medical Insurance

Enhanced Family Leave

Milestone Rewards

Salary Reviews

Company Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Pension Contributions

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

24/7 GP Service

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in managing payroll across multiple countries.
• Strong knowledge of financial principles and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll operations for 700+ employees and multiple international payrolls.
• Enhance payroll processes and support payroll system operations.

Skills

Global Payroll Management

Strategic Payroll Initiatives

Financial Principles

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Education

CIPP Qualification

Tools

HRIS Systems

ERP Systems

Job description

Job Summary

Join Kiwa UK – Lead, Innovate, and Elevate Payroll Excellence! Are you a payroll professional looking for a dynamic and strategic role? Kiwa UK is seeking a Head of Payroll to oversee and enhance our payroll operations across multiple countries. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time, and in compliance while driving continuous improvement and innovation. Kiwa is a global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification. Our company motto is we create trust. We want you to trust us in becoming your employer of choice.

About the role

1. Manage Payroll Operations: Oversee payroll for 700+ UK employees and 7 international payrolls (including China, India, UAE, Ireland & Turkey).
2. Ensure Compliance & Accuracy: Handle all payroll submissions and reporting to HMRC, tax professionals, and auditors.
3. Strategic Improvements: Enhance payroll processes, integrate HRIS systems, improve transactional reporting, and support payroll system operations.
4. Employee Benefits: Collaborate with HR to research, cost, and deliver market-leading benefits for Kiwa employees.
5. Financial & Forecasting Support: Provide key payroll data to assist with monthly, quarterly, and long-term forecasting.
6. Leadership & Development: Support and lead the Payroll Team, ensuring regular 1-2-1s and professional development.
7. Annual Projects: Lead bonus, LTIP, living wage, PSA, and company car exercises.

Do you have what it takes?

1. Proven expertise in global payroll management.
2. Experience leading strategic payroll initiatives.
3. Strong knowledge of financial principles & ERP systems.
4. CIPP qualification (preferred).
5. A continuous improvement mindset and a passion for innovation.
6. Excellent communication and leadership skills.

What can you expect from us in return?

1. £55,000 - £65,000 per annum
2. Generous Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy additional leave and increased entitlement with length of service
3. 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday, UK remote role with occasional travel
4. Private Medical Insurance
5. Enhanced Family Leave – Enhanced maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave with 6 months full pay, plus 2 weeks full pay for paternity leave
6. Milestone Rewards – paid and unpaid sabbaticals, charity donations, personal gifts, and retail vouchers
7. Salary Reviews
8. Company Bonus Scheme
9. Enhanced Pension Contributions
10. Life Assurance – 4x your annual salary
11. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support, advice, and counselling available 24/7, 365 days a year
12. 24/7 GP Service – Access to medical advice anytime
13. Cycle to Work Scheme
14. Eye Care Vouchers – Supporting your health and well-being
15. Welcome Pack – Filled with company-branded goodies to kickstart your journey with us

At Kiwa, we deliver results driven by our core values: Ambitious, Reliable, and Engaged the principles that guide how we work with colleagues, customers, and everyone we encounter. We are committed to fostering personal development, encouraging you to be ambitious, explore new ideas, and contribute to making the world a safer, more sustainable place. Here, you’ll thrive in a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for growth and self-development.

As an equal opportunity employer, Kiwa celebrates diversity and is dedicated to building an inclusive, supportive workplace. We embrace flexibility in hiring talented individuals from all backgrounds globally, ensuring a work environment free from prejudice, discrimination, and intimidation. Inclusivity and equality are core to who we are, and we uphold these values without exception.

If you have any questions about this role and would like to speak to a member of the Talent Team, please e-mail us at [e-mail].