Head of Payroll

KennedyPearce Consulting; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employee discount on products

Company pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Flexible working hours

Job summary

KennedyPearce Consulting is partnering with a well-established, multi-site consumer business to appoint its first Head of Payroll. You will own end-to-end payroll for ~200 employees, leading a transition from outsourced to in-house delivery while implementing a new payroll system and establishing governance to support growth.

The role combines hands-on payroll management with strategic direction, requiring strong leadership and a track record of improving payroll processes and controls within a

Qualifications

• Significant end-to-end payroll experience at senior level (Head of Payroll or equivalent).
• Experience leading or transitioning to in-house payroll and implementing a payroll system.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, governance and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of end-to-end payroll for ~200 employees.
• Manage mixed payroll for permanent and self-employed workers, including commissions and TRONC.
• Lead transition from outsourced to in-house payroll.
• Oversee selection and deployment of a new payroll system with Finance Director.
• Develop robust payroll controls and governance for growth.
• Provide subject-matter guidance on payroll compliance and best practice.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR and operations to ensure payroll integration.
• Influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC and internal policies.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Head of Payroll

In-house payroll implementation

Payroll legislation

Multi-site experience

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Job description

Salary: £75,000-£85,000 per annum + annual bonus (depending on experience)

Working Pattern: Hybrid (3 days in the office)

We are partnering with a well-established, multi-site consumer business to appoint their first Head of Payroll.

This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead an in-house payroll function for a recognised British brand as it transitions away from an outsourced payroll provider. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, with a dotted line into the Head of HR, you will take full ownership of payroll strategy and operations, leading the implementation of a new payroll system while building robust processes, controls and governance to support the future growth of the business.

Initially, this will be a hands-on role, with responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of payroll. However, the organisation is looking for a senior payroll professional who can provide strategic direction, influence senior stakeholders and build a best-in-class payroll function from the ground up.

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely make your mark and shape the future of payroll within a successful, growing organisation, this role offers exactly that.

The Role

• Take full ownership of the payroll function, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of end-to-end payroll for approximately 200 employees.
• Process payroll for a combination of permanent employees and self-employed workers, including commissions, variable pay and TRONC arrangements.
• Lead the transition from an outsourced payroll model to a fully in-house payroll function.
• Evaluate, select and oversee the implementation of a new payroll system, working closely with the Finance Director.
• Develop and implement robust payroll processes, controls and governance frameworks to support business growth.
• Act as the organisation's payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance on payroll legislation, compliance and best practice.
• Partner closely with Finance, HR and operational teams to ensure payroll integrates seamlessly across the business.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and driving continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation, process optimisation and technology.
• Ensure payroll remains fully compliant with current legislation, HMRC requirements and internal policies.

About You

• Significant end-to-end payroll experience, operating at Payroll Manager, Head of Payroll or equivalent level.
• Experience leading or playing a significant role in bringing payroll in-house or implementing a payroll system.
• A strong understanding of payroll legislation, governance, controls and compliance.
• Previous experience within a multi-site environment, ideally across retail, hospitality, leisure, beauty or another customer-facing business.
• Experience processing payroll involving commissions, variable pay and/or TRONC.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence senior leadership.
• A strategic mindset, balanced with a willingness to remain hands-on where required.
• A track record of improving payroll processes, controls and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership capability with the potential to develop and shape the payroll function as the business evolves.
• Complimentary services.
• Generous employee discount on products.
• Company pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours, with core office hours between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
• The opportunity to build and lead an in-house payroll function from the ground up.
• A highly visible role with genuine strategic influence across Finance and HR.
• Long-term career progression within a successful and growing organisation.