Payroll Transformation Leader – UK & Ireland

JD Sports Fashion; Bury; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Group in the UK is seeking a Head of Payroll – UK & IRL to lead payroll operations for over 25,000 colleagues across multiple entities and jurisdictions from the Bury office. You will drive strategy, governance, and automation while ensuring compliance and service excellence.

Reporting to Associate Director – People Services, you will manage a high-performing team, optimise processes, and partner with senior stakeholders to deliver scalable payroll solutions that support the Group’s

Qualifications

• Experience leading payroll in high-volume, multi-site environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK and Irish payroll legislation and pensions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and full legislative compliance.
• Provide strategic direction for payroll delivery, aligning with People strategy.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll matters and ensure effective resolution.
• Own payroll governance, risk mitigation, and audit readiness.

Skills

Payroll management

Leadership

UK payroll legislation

Stakeholder management

Excel

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Payroll Management

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

JD Group in the UK is seeking a Head of Payroll – UK & IRL to lead payroll operations for over 25,000 colleagues across multiple entities and jurisdictions from the Bury office. You will drive strategy, governance, and automation while ensuring compliance and service excellence.

Reporting to Associate Director – People Services, you will manage a high-performing team, optimise processes, and partner with senior stakeholders to deliver scalable payroll solutions that support the Group’s