Payroll Lead

Tata Consultancy Services; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tata Consultancy Services is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee end-to-end UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man payroll operations in a hybrid, permanent role in the UK. The position emphasizes accuracy, compliance, and process excellence across multiple payrolls and jurisdictions.

You will shape payroll strategy, implement system enhancements, and deliver an excellent employee experience while collaborating with HR, Finance, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in payroll processing and legislation (UK or relevant jurisdiction).
• Proven ability to manage multi-country payroll environments.
• Hands-on exposure to UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man payrolls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full payroll cycle for each payroll (input, validation, processing, and post-payroll activities).
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of the payroll for all employees on each of the 3 payrolls.
• Review payroll outputs and produce reports accordingly to different stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to local tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage audits and resolve compliance issues.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and system changes.
• Act as the primary contact for HR, Finance, and external vendors – Pension Providers.
• Manage escalations and ensure timely resolution of employee queries.
• Support business stakeholders with payroll insights and reporting.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and automation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Support payroll system implementations or upgrades.

Skills

Multi-country payroll

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder management

UK & Ireland payrolls

Tools

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

If you need support in completing the application or if you require a different format of this document, please get in touch with at or call TCS London Office number / with the subject line: “Application Support Request”.

Role: Payroll Lead

Location: Peterborough, UK

Contract: Permanent

Mode of Working: Hybrid

Are you looking to leverage your skills in UK Payroll?

We have a great opportunity for you – Payroll Lead!

Careers at TCS: It means more

TCS is a purpose-led transformation company, built on belief. We do not just help businesses to transform through technology. We support them in making a meaningful difference to the people and communities they serve - our clients include some of the biggest brands in the UK and worldwide. For you, it means more to make an impact that matters, through challenging projects which demand ambitious innovation and thought leadership.

• Build strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Gain access to endless learning opportunities.
• Work closely with the range of teams within the business to bring products to life.

The Role:

As a Payroll Lead, you will be responsible to oversee and manage end-to-end payroll operations across the UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man. This is a critical leadership position responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll while driving process excellence and stakeholder confidence. The role also provides an opportunity to shape payroll strategy, enhance systems, and deliver best-in-class employee experience

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full payroll cycle for each payroll (input, validation, processing, and post-payroll activities)
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of the payroll for all employees on each of the 3 payrolls.
• Review payroll outputs and produce reports accordingly to different stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to local tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements
• Manage audits and resolve compliance issues
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and system changes
• Act as the primary contact for HR, Finance, and external vendors – Pension Providers
• Manage escalations and ensure timely resolution of employee queries
• Support business stakeholders with payroll insights and reporting
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation and automation
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Support payroll system implementations or upgrades

Skills & Experience

• Strong experience in payroll processing and legislation (UK or relevant jurisdiction)
• Proven ability to manage multi-country payroll environments
• High attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capability
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Opportunity to lead payroll across multiple jurisdictions and directly influence accuracy, compliance, and employee experience.
• Be at the forefront of payroll optimisation, system upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives—not just BAU processing.
• Hands-on exposure to UK, Ireland, and Isle of Man payrolls, enhancing your international payroll expertise.
• Leverage payroll data to provide business insights, contributing to broader HR and financial decision-making.
• Work closely with senior HR, Finance, and external partners, ensuring strong business alignment.
• Ideal role for professionals looking to transition into regional payroll leadership or broader Total Rewards roles.

Rewards & Benefits (Default)

TCS is consistently voted a Top Employer in the UK and globally. Our competitive salary packages feature pension, health care, life assurance, laptop, phone, access to extensive training resources and discounts within the larger Tata network.

We offer health & wellness initiatives and sports events; we are the proud sponsor of the London Marathon.

Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing

Tata Consultancy Services UK&I is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all individuals in accordance with the UK Equality Act 2010 and the UK Human Rights Act 1998.

We welcome and embrace diversity in race, nationality, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, age, physical ability, gender reassignment, sexual orientation. We are a disability inclusive employer and encourage disabled people to apply for this role.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer an interview to applicants with disabilities or long-term conditions who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please email us at if you would like to opt in.

If you are an applicant who needs any adjustments to the application process or interview, please contact us at with the subject line: “Adjustment Request” or call TCS London Office / to request an adjustment. We welcome requests prior to you completing the application and at any stage of the recruitment process.