Payroll Manager (4251)

Wade Macdonald; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is partnering with a forward-thinking organisation in Oxford to recruit a Payroll Manager. You will own end-to-end payroll, drive transformation, and champion automation using Workday.

You will engage senior stakeholders, optimise processes, ensure governance and compliance, and collaborate with HR and Finance. Hybrid working offers flexibility while delivering impactful change in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with end-to-end payroll and payroll transformation.
• Strong Workday knowledge and ability to review processes.
• Engage with senior stakeholders with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Taking ownership of the complete end-to-end payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.
• Leading payroll transformation and process improvement projects.
• Identifying opportunities to use automation to improve efficiency and controls.
• Maximising the capabilities of Workday across payroll processes and reporting.
• Reviewing existing procedures and implementing more effective ways of working.
• Maintaining strong payroll governance, controls and compliance.
• Working closely with HR, Finance and other stakeholders to deliver improvements.
• Managing payroll-related queries and resolving complex issues.
• Supporting wider systems, technology and change initiatives affecting payroll.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Workday

Stakeholder engagement

Process automation

Payroll governance

Tools

Workday

Job description

Payroll Manager - Oxford - £70,000 / £80,000 - Hybrid working

About the Client

Wade Macdonald are currently working with a well-established organisation with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement. The organisation offers a supportive working environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas and play an active role in shaping how the business moves forward.

About the Job

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager to take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function while playing a key role in its ongoing transformation. Alongside ensuring accurate and effective payroll delivery, you will help modernise processes and make greater use of technology.

Duties will include:

• Taking ownership of the complete end-to-end payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely delivery.
• Leading payroll transformation and process improvement projects.
• Identifying opportunities to use automation to improve efficiency and controls.
• Maximising the capabilities of Workday across payroll processes and reporting.
• Reviewing existing procedures and implementing more effective ways of working.
• Maintaining strong payroll governance, controls and compliance.
• Working closely with HR, Finance and other stakeholders to deliver improvements.
• Managing payroll-related queries and resolving complex issues.
• Supporting wider systems, technology and change initiatives affecting payroll.

About the Successful Applicant

You will have substantial end-to-end payroll experience alongside a strong track record of delivering payroll transformation and improvement projects. Excellent knowledge of Workday is essential, combined with the ability to review processes, identify efficiencies and implement positive change. You will be confident engaging with senior stakeholders, with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

What You Will Receive in Return

Alongside hybrid working, you will have the opportunity to join the organisation at an important time of change, with genuine scope to make an impact. You will be given the autonomy to shape the payroll function, improve processes and contribute to wider transformation projects, while working within a supportive and collaborative environment.