Interim Payroll Manager

Wade Macdonald; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is recruiting an Interim Payroll Specialist for a 6-month fixed-term contract near Twickenham. You will own day-to-day payroll delivery and lead a three-person team, handling a weekly payroll for ~3,000 staff with shift work, overtime and starters/leavers.

The role is office-based, focused on delivering accurate, timely payroll and maintaining service continuity in a fast-moving environment. Salary £90,000–£100,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience managing high-volume weekly payrolls.
• Proven ability to lead a small payroll team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver weekly payroll for ~3,000 employees.
• Lead and allocate work for payroll team of three.
• Oversee payroll activity for employees working varied shifts, overtime and variable hours.
• Manage a high volume of starters, leavers and payroll amendments.
• Ensure payroll data is complete, accurate and processed within strict weekly deadlines.
• Review payroll calculations, exceptions and variances before final submission.
• Resolve payroll queries promptly and professionally.
• Support the team during periods of high workload, absence or operational pressure.
• Ensure statutory payments, deductions and payroll legislation are applied correctly.
• Complete payroll reconciliations and maintain accurate records.
• Work with HR, Finance and managers to resolve payroll issues.

Job description

Interim Payroll Specialist – 6-Month FTC

Location:Near Twickenham, fully office-based

Salary:£90,000–£100,000 per annum

About the Client

This is a large, operationally focused organisation employing a substantial workforce across a range of shift-based roles. Payroll is a business-critical function, supporting employees who work varied hours, overtime and changing shift patterns within a fast-moving environment.

The organisation is looking for an experienced payroll professional who can provide stability, support the existing team and ensure the continued delivery of an accurate and reliable weekly payroll service.

About the Job

This six-month fixed-term contract is a hands-on payroll management role with responsibility for a weekly payroll of approximately 3,000 employees.

You will manage a small team of three and take day-to-day ownership of payroll delivery, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. The workforce includes a high volume of shift workers, with variable hours, overtime, starters and leavers, making this a detailed and operationally demanding payroll environment.

This is not a strategic transformation role. The priority is to provide strong operational leadership, maintain service continuity and support the team in managing a busy and complex weekly payroll.

Duties will include

• Managing the accurate and timely delivery of a weekly payroll for approximately 3,000 employees


• Leading, supporting and allocating work across a payroll team of three


• Overseeing payroll activity for employees working varied shifts, overtime and variable hours


• Managing a high volume of starters, leavers and payroll amendments


• Ensuring payroll data is complete, accurate and processed within strict weekly deadlines


• Reviewing payroll calculations, exceptions and variances before final submission


• Resolving payroll queries promptly and professionally


• Supporting the team during periods of high workload, absence or operational pressure


• Ensuring statutory payments, deductions and payroll legislation are applied correctly


• Completing payroll reconciliations and maintaining accurate records


• Working closely with HR, Finance and operational managers to resolve payroll issues


• Monitoring data quality and addressing discrepancies before they affect payroll


• Maintaining clear payroll procedures and appropriate controls


• Producing regular payroll reports for internal stakeholders


• Ensuring the payroll function remains reliable, responsive and well organised throughout the assignment

About the Successful Applicant

• You will be an experienced payroll professional with a strong background in managing high-volume, weekly payrolls.


• You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced operational environment where employees work shifts, overtime and variable hours, and where there is a regular flow of starters and leavers.


• Previous experience of managing or supervising a small payroll team is essential. You will be practical, organised and detail-focused, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and ensure deadlines are consistently met.


• You will also bring strong payroll legislation knowledge, excellent problem-solving skills and a willingness to remain closely involved in the day-to-day processing and delivery of payroll.

What You Will Receive in Return

You will receive a salary of £90,000–£100,000 per annum on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a significant weekly payroll, support an established team and play a central role in maintaining an essential service within a large and busy organisation.

The position is fully office-based near Twickenham.