Head of Payroll

ComXps; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payroll solutions provider in Greater London is seeking an Interim Head of Payroll to manage and oversee a busy payroll team amidst transitional challenges. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership skills and in-house payroll experience, with a strong understanding of payroll obligations and compliance. This role offers the potential for extension beyond 6 months and the opportunity to influence payroll operations during SAP/SuccessFactors migration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a payroll team.
• Delivered in-house payroll solutions (not outsourced).
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, HMRC obligations, and year-end requirements.
• Experience managing complex payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Interim Head of Payroll to cover departure of incumbent.
• Focus on validation and compliance without data entry.
• Provide leadership and oversight for payroll team of 16.

Skills

Leadership and team management in payroll

In-house payroll delivery experience

Strong technical payroll knowledge (HMRC, PSA, compliance)

Education

CIPD or payroll qualifications

Tools

SAP

SuccessFactors

Job description

This role is Inside IR35

Clearance: BPSS

Location: Stratford (Hybrid – approx. 50%, may need more during busy periods)

Contract Length: 31/07/2026

Any particular experience/sector you would like the candidate to have?

Public sector preferred for governance and pace. Large-scale payroll experience desirable.

Top 3 Essential Skills

1. Leadership and team management in payroll.
2. In-house payroll delivery experience.
3. Strong technical payroll knowledge (HMRC, PSA, compliance).

What must you see on the CV?

• Proven experience leading a payroll team.
• Delivered in-house payroll solutions (not outsourced).
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, HMRC obligations, and year-end requirements.
• Experience managing complex payroll operations.

Details of the Role

• Interim Head of Payroll to cover departure of incumbent (leaving week before 28th February).
• Busy period: multiple payrolls, pay awards, and SAP system migration (moving from SAP on-premise to SuccessFactors).
• 12-week data validation project with provider and implementation partner.
• Role involves leadership, oversight, and support for payroll team (16 employees, 3 direct reports).
• No data entry – focus on validation and compliance.
• Could be extended beyond 6 months; potential temp-to-perm option.
• Opportunity to add value in ERP space if candidate has SAP/SuccessFactors experience.

Top 3 Desirable Skills

1. SAP and/or SuccessFactors experience.
2. Public sector experience (understanding governance and pace).
3. Weekly payroll experience (nice to have).

Desirable

CIPD or payroll qualifications desirable but not mandatory.