Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Alexander Mae HR Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 92,250 - 129,150; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Mae HR Ltd seeks an experienced Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist to lead end-to-end UK payroll during a period of change, coordinating outsourced international payrolls across multiple locations. This hands-on role requires documenting robust payroll processes and ensuring accuracy.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will manage benefits, collaborate with Finance and People teams, and implement standard operating procedures for the future.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing complex end-to-end UK payroll processing.
• Experience coordinating outsourced international payroll providers.
• Knowledge of payroll systems such as Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite or HiBob.
• CIPP qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end UK payroll process with accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate outsourced international payrolls across multiple locations.
• Administer employee benefits and share schemes.
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and statutory returns.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Develop and document payroll processes and SOPs.
• Collaborate with Finance and People teams to support payroll operations.

Skills

End-to-end UK payroll

Outsourced international payroll

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

Infinet Cloud

Deel

NetSuite

HiBob

Job description

Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist

£Competitive | 4–6 Month Interim Contract | Southampton (3 days per week initially)

The Company

Our client is an established international business with operations across the UK and overseas. They are currently seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join them on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition during a period of change within the payroll function.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a hands‑on payroll professional who enjoys improving processes, working autonomously and making a real impact within a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

The Role

Reporting into the Chief People Officer, you will take ownership of the end‑to‑end UK payroll while coordinating outsourced international payrolls across several global locations. This is a hands‑on position requiring someone who can quickly pick up responsibility, ensure payroll accuracy and document robust payroll processes for the future.

This is a key assignment where you'll work closely with Payroll, Finance and People teams to ensure continuity of service whilst developing standard operating procedures from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end‑to‑end UK payroll process, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• Coordinate outsourced payrolls across Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India and the USA.
• Administer employee benefits and share schemes.
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and statutory returns.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Develop and document payroll processes and standard operating procedures.
• Work with payroll and HR systems including Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite and HiBob.
• Collaborate closely with Finance and People teams to support payroll operations and continuous improvement.

About You

• Proven experience personally managing complex end‑to‑end UK payroll processing.
• Experience working with outsourced international payroll providers.
• Knowledge of one or more payroll/HR systems such as Infinet Cloud, Deel, NetSuite or HiBob.
• CIPP qualification or significant equivalent payroll experience.
• Experience administering employee benefits and share schemes.
• The ability to create and document payroll processes from scratch.
• Excellent attention to detail with a calm, methodical and organised approach.
• The ability to work independently and quickly become productive within a busy environment.

Salary & Location

• 4–6 month interim contract
• Competitive day rate/salary depending on experience
• Southampton
• Hybrid working - You must be able to work three days per week in the Southampton office for the first five weeks. This requirement is non-negotiable due to the handover period.
• Immediate start preferred