Head of Payroll - Hybrid & In-House Transformation

Kennedy Pearce Consulting; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Generous employee discount on products

Complimentary services

Job summary

Kennedy Pearce Consulting is partnering with a well‑established, multi-site consumer business to appoint its first Head of Payroll. The role leads an in‑house payroll function for ~200 staff, transitioning from outsourcing and implementing a new payroll system under the Finance Director, with a dotted line to HR.

It combines hands-on delivery with strategic direction. The ideal candidate has senior level payroll experience, governance expertise, and strong stakeholder influence, enabling

Qualifications

• Significant end-to-end payroll experience at senior level (Head of Payroll or equivalent).
• Experience leading or delivering in-house payroll transition/implementation.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, governance, controls and compliance.
• Experience in a multi-site environment (retail, hospitality, leisure or customer-facing).
• Experience processing payroll with commissions, variable pay and/or TRONC.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the payroll for approximately 200 employees.
• Lead the transition from outsourced to in-house payroll delivery.
• Select and oversee a new payroll system implementation with Finance Director.
• Develop robust payroll processes, controls and governance for growth.
• Provide payroll subject‑matter expertise to guide the organisation.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

In‑house payroll implementation

Payroll governance

Job description

Kennedy Pearce Consulting is partnering with a well‑established, multi-site consumer business to appoint its first Head of Payroll. The role leads an in‑house payroll function for ~200 staff, transitioning from outsourcing and implementing a new payroll system under the Finance Director, with a dotted line to HR.

It combines hands-on delivery with strategic direction. The ideal candidate has senior level payroll experience, governance expertise, and strong stakeholder influence, enabling