Payroll Transformation Leader – UK & Ireland

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

JD Group in the UK is seeking a Head of Payroll – UK & IRL based at the Bury Office. This senior role leads a large payroll function across multiple entities, delivering accurate, timely payroll for over 25,000 colleagues and driving governance, risk management and process improvement.

You will shape payroll strategy, collaborate with People leadership, and partner with Technology to automate and streamline operations while ensuring compliance with UK and Irish legislation.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Payroll Management or equivalent.
• Extensive experience leading payroll functions supporting 10,000+ colleagues within complex, high-volume and multi-site environments.
• Proven experience delivering payroll transformation and working within service centre environments.
• Strong understanding of UK and Irish payroll legislation, pensions, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Proficiency in payroll systems and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and full legislative compliance.
• Provide strategic direction for payroll delivery, aligning with organisational goals and People strategy.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll matters and ensure effective resolution.
• Drive transformation initiatives to automate, standardise, and enhance payroll processes.
• Constantly deliver continuous improvement to drive measurable benefits across service, cost, and colleague experience.
• Optimise systems and workflows to support scalability and operational efficiency.
• Own payroll governance, risk mitigation, and audit readiness.
• Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and report on payroll performance, identifying risks and implementing corrective actions.
• Oversee payroll KPIs and metrics, using data insights to drive performance and service excellence.
• Monitor service levels and ensure delivery against agreed targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, analytics, and decision-making.
• Lead, coach, and develop the payroll team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and growth.
• Promote wellbeing, inclusion, and career development across the team.
• Lead payroll-related workstreams in People and business projects.
• Ensure successful delivery of payroll initiatives, managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Payroll Management or equivalent

Job description

JD Group in the UK is seeking a Head of Payroll – UK & IRL based at the Bury Office. This senior role leads a large payroll function across multiple entities, delivering accurate, timely payroll for over 25,000 colleagues and driving governance, risk management and process improvement.

You will shape payroll strategy, collaborate with People leadership, and partner with Technology to automate and streamline operations while ensuring compliance with UK and Irish legislation.