Payroll Lead

ADAPTABLE RECRUITMENT LTD; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment firm in Manchester is seeking a proactive Payroll Lead to manage global payroll operations. This role involves delivering seamless monthly payroll cycles, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and collaborating with Finance and HR. The ideal candidate must have solid experience in managing UK payroll and familiarity with international operations, alongside strong technical payroll system knowledge. This position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic working environment that values innovation and growth.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Solid experience managing end-to-end UK payroll for a mid-sized business.
• Exposure to or experience with international payroll operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end payroll process across multiple regions.
• Manage tax, pension, and statutory deductions accurately.
• Partner with Finance and HR to post monthly payroll journals.

Skills

End-to-end payroll management

Communication skills

Compliance knowledge

Technical knowledge of payroll systems

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Education

CIPP qualification or working towards it

Tools

Moorpay

ADP

Workday

Sage

Job description

Payroll Lead

Manchester - Hybrid

£45,000 - £50,000 + annual bonus scheme

We're looking for a proactive and detail-driven Payroll Lead to take ownership of a global payroll operations. Sitting at the heart of finance, compliance, and employee experience, you'll make sure their people get paid accurately, on time, and in line with local regulations - wherever they are in the world. With a growing international footprint and a dynamic, people-first culture, this role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, collaborative environment and wants to help shape the payroll function for the future.

What You'll Do

Own the end-to-end payroll process - Deliver seamless monthly payroll cycles for our teams across the UK, Dubai, the US and other regions.

Coordinate with local providers to ensure accuracy and compliance everywhere we operate.

Manage tax, pension, and statutory deductions, making sure everything's filed and paid on time.

Drive global alignment - Build strong relationships with international payroll partners (EU, US, APAC) and maintain oversight of all processes.

Troubleshoot discrepancies and keep everything running smoothly across borders.

Champion compliance and accuracy - Stay on top of payroll legislation (HMRC and international equivalents).

Manage statutory submissions and year-end reporting.

Support audits with robust, transparent documentation.

Partner with Finance and HR - Post monthly payroll journals and reconcile accounts across multiple entities.

Provide insights and forecasts to support budgeting and financial planning.

Collaborate closely with HR to ensure data flows cleanly between systems.

Innovate and improve - Keep payroll systems efficient, modern, and fit for growth.

Identify opportunities for automation and smarter workflows.

Be the go-to expert

• Lead on payroll queries with clarity and confidence.

Train and mentor junior team members, sharing best practices and knowledge.

Support change and growth - Manage payroll through business change - mergers, restructures, or new regions. - Oversee adjustments for promotions, new hires, and leavers.

What You'll Bring

Solid experience managing end-to-end UK payroll for a mid-sized business.

Exposure to or experience with international payroll operations.

Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems (Moorpay, ADP, Workday, Sage, or similar).

Confidence working with finance data, including journals and reconciliations.

A keen eye for detail, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Excellent communication skills - you build trust and clarity with every interaction.

A collaborative, solution-oriented mindset.

CIPP qualification (or working toward it) is a plus.

You'll be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking business in the heart of Manchester - where people, innovation, and growth go hand in hand. We believe payroll isn't just about numbers; it's about people, experience, and trust.

If this sounds like you, then reach out today for further info!